A former Democratic state lawmaker has filed to run for a seat on the Cobb County Commission.
Erick Allen, a Smyrna resident who served two terms under the Gold Dome, is joining the race for District 2 on the five-member panel. The seat is currently held by Democrat Jerica Richardson, who is stepping down to run for Congress.
It’s a reverse of course for Allen, who had previously announced that he would again run for the state house.
“As I begin this journey, I am mindful of the political culture that has highlighted the need for continued leadership in this district,” said Allen, the chair of the Cobb Democratic Committee. “I also considered a bid to return to the legislature. But in the end, I want to continue to advocate for, and support Cobb County, and the best place to do that is in Cobb, not in Atlanta.”
Committee bylaws will force Allen to relinquish his chairmanship while campaigning for elected office.
Allen joins a race that so far includes former school board member Dr. Jaha Howard and Marietta city councilman Reginald Copeland. District 2 is based in East Cobb and runs along the I-75 corridor.
The Democratic primary is set for May 21.