Local News

Two republicans announce intent to run for State Senator Bill Cowsert's seat in 2026 election

WUGA | By Jeff Dantre

Published June 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM EDT

Sen. Bill Cowsert speaks at a meeting of the Georgia Senate Special Committee

1 of 2 — Sen. Bill Cowsert

Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) speaks at a meeting of the Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations on Feb. 9, 2024

2 of 2 — Doug McKillip

Rep Doug McKillip, R-Athens, from the well about his bill to restrict abortions. on the last day of the Georgia General Assembly Thursday, March 29, 2012 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

John Bazemore/AP / AP

Two Republicans have announced their intent to run for the seat held by Senator Bill Cowsert, following his announcement to run for attorney general in 2026.

The Oconee Enterprise reports former State Representative Doug McKillip will run for Senate District 46, which covers Oconee, Barrow, Clarke, Walton, and Gwinnett counties.

McKillip is a one-time Democrat who served in the Georgia House for three terms before switching parties and then losing in the Republican primary. McKillip is an attorney, earning an undergraduate and law degree from UGA.

Also entering the race is Walton County Republican Marc McMain, who was one-time chairman of the party in that county and also ran for the U.S. House 10th District in 2022, losing to Republican Mike Collins.