McKoon won’t see re-election to Georgia Senate

Republican from Columbus led fight on ‘religious liberty.’

State Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, who led efforts in the Georgia General Assembly to pass ethics and “religious liberty” legislation, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to the state Senate.

McKoon said that his work on ethics and religious liberty, as well as immigration, had made his four terms in the Senate “worthwhile.”

“But it has come at a cost,” McKoon said. “As someone that came here to fight for the citizens I represent, not special interests, I have accumulated many enemies.”

Late last year, McKoon’s fellow Republicans voted to remove him as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

McKoon left open the possibility of running for a statewide office in the 2018 election.

The senator said he was announcing his intentions now for several reasons.

“An early announcement gives time to potential candidates to weigh their decision and make the necessary preparation to mount a campaign,” McKoon said. “We need to make sure our district continues to be represented by a well-qualified person who continues the tradition of being a strong, independent conservative voice, and giving this notice helps ensure that.”

He added that he has fought for “transparent decision making” in government, and “by announcing now, I avoid even the appearance of attempting to time this announcement to advantage any particular potential candidate.”

McKoon said he and his wife, Jacqueline, “will be prayerfully considering how best to continue to serve others.”

“Whether that means a future in politics or some other path remains to be seen,” he said. “What is clear is the amazing work that has been done here at the Capitol by grass-roots advocates and citizens who want to change their government for the better. I thank you all.”