Politics & Government

State Rep. Announces Re-Election Bid, Says He Won't Seek Judgeship

Christian Coomer said he won't seek the unexpired term of Bartow County Superior Court Judge Shepherd Howell, who is retiring in February.

State Rep. Christian Coomer, R-Cassville, has announced his intention to seek reelection to the State House of Representatives. Coomer represents State House District 14, which stretches from Cartersville to Rome and includes about half of Bartow County and portions of eastern and southern Floyd County.

Coomer was first elected to the House in 2010. He serves as the Senior Administration Floor Leader to Gov. Nathan Deal, who tapped Coomer for the leadership position in 2012.  

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“I ran on a promise to preserve individual liberties, restrict government to its most basic, constitutionally-mandated functions, look for ways to lessen tax burdens, and promote the interests of the people who live in Bartow and Floyd counties,” Coomer said in a press release. “We have a lot of work to do and I remain committed to the principals that have guided me to this point. I will continue to beat back the encroachment of government into our private lives and personal wealth while I work to pass legislation that fosters an environment friendly to private business growth and investment.”

Coomer has authored and carried such varied legislation as the Veteran’s Workforce Development bill (HB 188), HOPE grant legislation to restore financial aid for technical college students, American Laws for Georgia Courts Act, and various criminal justice reform bills that range from revising the juvenile justice system to streamlining the process for shutting down illegal gambling operations in Georgia.  

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He also sponsored several pieces of local legislation, rewriting the charter for the city of Adairsville and revising provisions for local elections in Floyd and Bartow counties. Coomer also co-sponsored resolutions aimed at limiting the growth of state government, broadening education opportunities for children in Georgia, and returning liberties to individuals while restricting the expansion of state and federal government powers.

Coomer also extends congratulations to Judge Shepherd Howell of the Bartow County Superior Court who has announced his intention to retire in February 2014.  

“Judge Howell is a seasoned jurist whose experience and leadership will be missed. I commend him on his service and wish him well in his retirement,” Coomer said.  

Deal will appoint a replacement to fill Howell's unexpired term. The state bar has announced it is accepting nominations for qualified candidates to fill the post.  

In response to questions about his intentions, Coomer said, “I am honored to serve in the House of Representatives. That is where I can best serve at this time, so I do not plan to submit my name for nomination to replace Judge Howell.” 

Coomer serves on the Judiciary Non-Civil, Retirement (vice-chair), Banks and Banking, and Juvenile Justice Committees, as well as the Fiscal Affairs Subcommittee, and the Legislative Oversight Committee for Public Defender Standards Council.

He works as a sole-practice attorney in Cartersville, where he represents a broad range of clients in civil and criminal matters. He earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Georgia and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, with a bachelor's of Arts degree.  

Coomer and his wife, Heidi, have two sons, Christian and Collin. The Coomer family attends the Adairsville Church of God. 

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