Buckhead Representative Undecided on Running in Redrawn District

From Patch Reports

Buckhead Rep. Elly Dobbs says she is undecided about running in the newly redrawn House District 53, in which she would have to contend against another Democratic incumbent, as well as a third candidate.

Dobbs and Sheila Jones have been drawn into the same district, meaning they will have to run against each other to retain the seat. A third candidate, Atlanta attorney Robert Patillo, has also entered the race.

Jones' office confirmed to Patch that she intends to run again, while Dobbs is still undecided.

"At this point in time I have not made a final decision about running again," Dobbs said. "I am being encouraged to run again and am looking into my options. Once I decide I will make an announcement."

“Seemingly, one of the goals of the Republican Legislature was to limit the number of Democrats in the Georgia General Assembly, by putting them head to head against each other,” Patillo said.

Jones formerly represented District 44, while Dobbs represents District 53.

“People on the northside and Cascade sides of the district have differing social and political views,” said Patillo, who resides in Collier Heights, located in the new district’s center. “I want to offer a unifying voice for the district.”

Jones’ former district 44 included , , and elementary schools, and . Dobbs’ old district 53 included and .

According to the Georgia General Assembly reapportionment office, the district:

• Starts in the north at Paces Ferry Road (between Westminster and Lovett);
• Winds its way south down Bohler Road and past the vast rail yards on west side of town;
• And proceeds down to the I-20/285 intersection general area, while also taking in some of Cobb around Atlanta Road/I-285.

Qualifying for the July 31 election begins May 23 and ends May 25.