DALTON, Ga. — When former state senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Hunter Hill comes to Dalton on Thursday he says it will almost be like coming home.

“My mom was born and raised in Dalton, went to Dalton High,” he said. “Her name was Dixie McCutchen. Her parents were

Christine and Joe McCutchen. They lived there their entire lives. Christine’s brother is Jack Bandy.” Bandy is one of the co-founders of Coronet Industries, which was one of the

major leaders in the carpet industry for many years.

Hill will hold a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m. at Trevitt Hall, 111 N. Hamilton St.

A Vinings native, Hill graduated from the United States Military Academy, where he quarterbacked the football team. He went on to graduate from the U.S. Army Airborne, Air Assault and Ranger schools and served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, receiving two Bronze Stars.

After leaving the Army, Hill returned to Georgia and started a career in business. He was elected in state Senate District 6, which covers parts of Cobb and Fulton counties, in 2012. He resigned this year to run for governor.

“I believe in less government, lower taxes and more freedom,” he said. “I’m a champion for the Georgia taxpayer. We have to reduce the size of government. It’s choking off our businesses and our families.”

Dalton businessman Phil Neff is supporting Hill.

“I’ve known Hunter for a few years and his politics line up with mine as far as being a conservative,” he said. “But just as important, he’s someone who will do what’s right for the state. I’m tired of politicians who answer to lobbyists and worry more about what they want than what the people want.”