ATLANTA (April 30, 2010) – Georgia State Sen. Chip Pearson announced today that he will not be seeking re-election to Georgia’s 51st Senate District this November. After three terms of dedicated service to the citizens of the 51st District, Pearson’s decision is based on his responsibility and dedication to his family.
“It has been an honor to serve the 51st District and I have been humbled by the many years of trust and support by the citizens of Georgia. Serving with my distinguished colleagues in the Georgia Senate has truly been a pleasure and honor. We have done great things for Georgia and I will continue to support conservative values and causes. For the last six years, my wife has taken on the responsibilities of a single mom, and my children have not had their dad around during the most important time in their lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.’ At this time, my time needs to be spent with my family.”
Pearson has enjoyed a successful career in the State Senate. On November 2, 2004, he was elected to his first term in the State Senate by garnering an impressive 63 percent of the vote. As a freshman senator, he was selected by Senate leadership to serve as a deputy majority whip. After running unopposed in 2008, Pearson is now serving his third term in the Senate. He has been the chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee and vice chairmen of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Rules, Administrative Affairs, Banking and Financial Institutions, Insurance and Labor committees and the influential Committee on Assignments.
A graduate of Shorter College, Pearson is happily married to the former Jill Christian and they are the proud parents of three children – Madeleine, Mary Anna and Edward. Residents of Dawson County, the Pearsons worship at Amicalola Baptist Church, where Pearson teaches Sunday school.
Steve Gooch has qualified as a Republican to replace Pearson in the 51st Senate District. Gooch is a 9th District DOT board member and former Lumpkin County Commission chairman. Pearson noted that Gooch’s years of experience as a public servant and knowledge of North Georgia’s needs make him the ideal candidate. “I’ve know Steve for many years and I know he will fight for the same causes that I have, including limited government, less taxes, protection of private property and second amendment rights, as well as the rights of the unborn. I know the great people of North Georgia will be in good hands by electing Steve Gooch,” added Pearson.
Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District, which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 30, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028