THOMASVILLE- Congressman Sanford Bishop-D made a campaign stop on Tuesday night at the Covey Nest, where he mingled with local voters, spoke on the upcoming general election and took questions from the public. 

Thomas County Democratic Party Chairman, Mark Anderson introduced Bishop, who is the newest Congressman for the 2nd Congressional District. 

“Rep. Bishop has faithfully represented the largely rural and agricultural section of middle and southwest Georgia since 1993,” Anderson said. “That makes him the Dean of the Congressional delegation.” 

Anderson then turned the microphone over to local supporter, Darren Patz. 

Patz shared he and his wife moved to Thomasville five years ago and are proud to be part of the Georgia “blue wave.” 

“Georgia is the political center of the country and Mr. Bishop’s district is one of the few competitive districts in the country,” he said. “Thomas County is one of the most important districts in the country.” 

Patz went on to say that Bishop must be elected in this time of denial and that he was proud to have him visiting. 

Bishop thanked Patz and Anderson for their kind words before speaking on his campaign and sharing a story from his previous time in Thomasville. 

Years ago, Bishop said he visited when considering the Affordable Care Act. 

“If you recall, that was a very contentious time,” he said. “It’s not as bad as things are now, but it was pretty dog gone bad.” 

Bishop said he was supposed to hold a town hall meeting on the subject of the Affordable Care Act, where individuals could share their opinion. 

“I was across the street at a restaurant, waiting for the meeting, and as I saw people entering it was a very ominous sight,” he recalled. “Three out of four people looked very angry and it was clear they were against the Affordable Care Act.” 

Bishop said the entire scene reminded him of western movies he watched in his youth. However, his visit Tuesday night was a scene from a much different movie, one that he said “warms his heart.” 

“I’ve always enjoyed representing Thomas County,” he explained. “I’m extremely excited that they brought back Thomasville into the 2nd Congressional District.” 

Bishop went on to say that there are multiple improvements that can be made to Thomas County and other rural areas across south Georgia. 

“I relish the opportunity to use a political process to improve people’s lives, jobs and provide a better education and safe community,” Bishop said. “I have tried to make it my policy and my business to use this public trust and make it available to every individual and family and business.” 

Bishop went on to say that regardless of the zip code an individual lives in, they should still have access to proper nutrition and healthcare. 

“No one should take that away from them, women should especially not have that taken away from them,” he said. “No one should tell women what to choose when it comes to their reproductive rights.” 

Bishop was met with a thunderous applause from a crowd of women, who were cheering him on. 

“I am a man of faith and I believe in free will,” he said. “God gives us a choice and I believe each of us is held accountable for our choices.” 

Bishop went on to explain that he is the only Congressman in Georgia who is on the Appropriations Committee, which allows Bishop to allocate tax dollars in a fair manor. 

“We allocate $4.1 trillion each year,” he said. 

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Bishop chairs the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. 

“I’m well positioned to look after our state, our nation, our armed forces and our rural communities across the country,” he said. 

Bishop acknowledged some of the discomfort the state is currently facing due to rising inflation, but explained this small disruption is much better than the alternative the state faced two years ago with COVID-19. 

“The glass is not half empty, the glass is half full,” he reminded everyone. 

Bishop thanked everyone for attending and encouraged them to vote early, beginning on October 17. Early voting lasts through November 4. For more information, visit www.SanfordBishop.com.