THOMASVILLE — Republican Chris West announced his candidacy in Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District to unseat Democrat incumbent Sanford Bishop. 

West, a Thomasville native born and raised in the 2nd District, is an Air Force officer and champion for the America First agenda. West is general counsel for a real estate development company. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Valdosta State University and a law degree from Faulkner University. West is a member of the boards of the Rotary Club of Moultrie and the United Way and Colquitt County. He and his wife Jenny and their three children attend First Baptist Church of Thomasville. 

The 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses 30 counties in Southwest Georgia, now includes Thomas County, north Houston County, and parts of Muscogee County. 

“Southwest Georgia deserves a political outsider, job creator, and problem solver who will push back against the overreach of the federal government, get our economy back on track, and deliver real results — and that’s exactly what I’ll do as your next Congressman,” West said. “Illegal immigrants are pouring across our southern border, inflation is crushing working class families, gas prices are through the roof — and unfortunately, Sanford Bishop is nowhere to be found. I’ve spent my career creating jobs, serving my country, and delivering results for communities across South Georgia — and I’ll bring that same energy and determination to Washington to deliver for Southwest Georgia families.” 

 Bishop is the longest-serving member of Georgia’s Congressional delegation, having first been elected to office in 1992.

The NRCC is laser-focused on the 2nd District, adding Bishop to the group’s list of vulnerable Democrat incumbents being targeted for a Republican pick-up opportunity in 2022.