GA-HD96: A party-switching incumbent (R) in Georgia is fighting for reelection in west Atlanta

On one hand, state Rep. Mesha Mainor has an incumbency advantage baked in as she mounts a reelection campaign in a west Atlanta House district she has served for two terms. But that’s where her competitive edge ends.

In a district that voted for Democrat Joe Biden by more than 91% in 2020, Mainor is running as a Republican after switching parties last year.

Whether name recognition or party loyalty is stronger will be put to the test in House District 56, a puzzle piece-shaped boundary that includes neighborhoods surrounding Atlantic Station, Georgia Tech, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Morehouse College. Mainor says her values are the same as they were four years ago, when she was first elected to the seat.

“I have the exact same agenda that I had: public safety, access to health care, quality education and victim rights,” she said.

Her Democratic opponent, Bryce Berry, is campaigning on his opposition to an education bill in the Legislature that influenced Mainor’s decision to leave the Democratic Party.



https://www.ajc.com/politics/a-party-switching-incumbent-in-georgia-is-fighting-for-reelection-in-west-atlanta/7YWINBHNKBA5HFDSIRKQKRXMAE/