The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently wrote that former GOP Rep. Karen Handel was mulling a rematch with freshman Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath in Georgia’s 6th District, and Handel’s former campaign strategist has now confirmed it.
Rob Simms, who worked for Handel in 2017 and 2018, tells the paper that she’s very much considering another try and will announce her plans soon. The AJC also adds that, while Handel has kept a low-profile since her defeat, she’s made sure to keep in close contact with donors and key supporters. Handel lost to McBath 50.5-49.5 as Democrat Stacey Abrams was carrying this suburban Atlanta seat 51-48.
If Handel runs again, she’ll need to go through a primary against state Sen. Brandon Beach, who announced he was in over the weekend. Interestingly, the AJC points out that both Handel and Beach both got their start in politics by leading the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, with Beach replacing his would-be rival there in 2002.
The paper also predicts that, even if Handel sits out the primary, it’s unlikely the field would be cleared for Beach. They write that several other GOP politicians have been mentioned as possible candidates, though the only one mentioned by name is state Sen. John Albers. We haven’t heard anything from Albers about his 2020 plans yet.