State Rep. Doug Stoner, D-Smyrna, will not seek re-election in the new House District 42 in Smyrna.
He made the announcement following Judge Steve C. Jones’ decision to uphold the Republican redistricting maps. The new maps, redrawn after Jones’ ruling that the 2021 legislative maps violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, put Stoner into the same house district as state Rep. Teri Anulewicz, D-Smyrna.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of House District 40,” Stoner said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside so many dedicated individuals who are committed to making our community a better place for all. I decided not to run in the Democratic primary for House District 42.
“I have known Representative Anulewicz for over 20 years as we have served together in the legislature and on the Smyrna City Council,” Stoner added. “She will serve my former constituents in the new House District 42 well. I look forward to finding other opportunities to serve my community.”
Stoner plans to serve out the rest of his term through December 2024. As he looks forward to his next opportunity of community service, he remains committed to the betterment of Smyrna, Cobb County, and the State of Georgia. He expressed confidence in the district’s ability to continue thriving and assured his constituents that he would remain engaged in issues within the community.
“Representative Doug Stoner, who I am fortunate to have had as both a friend and colleague for 20 years, is a relentless advocate for Smyrna and Cobb County,” Anulewicz said in a statement. “It was a privilege to be represented by him during his years in the Georgia Senate, and it has been my honor to serve with him on the Smyrna City Council and in the Georgia House of Representatives. His depth of knowledge of our community and his keen understanding of policy have helped ensure that Cobb County and Georgia are vibrant communities that continue to thrive.”
