NORTH FORSYTH – A Forsyth County businessman has announced his candidacy for the District 26 seat in the Georgia House, which is currently held by Rep. Geoff Duncan, a Republican from the district that spans Lake Lanier and north and east Forsyth.
On Monday, Marc Morris, also a Republican, said he intends to run to replace Duncan, who filed paperwork in April to vie for the position of Georgia’s next lieutenant governor.
“After much prayer and consideration, I am excited to announce my campaign for State House,” Morris said. “I have a passion for serving others, our community and our nation. From serving in the U.S. Navy to working in numerous volunteer positions in Forsyth County, I have a proven track record of seeing that passion through.
“I am now running for State House to continue my history of public service. I love this community and want to ensure we have strong representation in the state House that will champion our interests.”
Morris stressed his business acumen and years of experience.
In 1998, he founded The Talmadge Group, an information technology firm that provides technical programming, support and integration services on the federal, state and local levels.
Though the firm works with top 100 government prime contractors and Fortune 1000 companies, Talmadge also offers its services to smaller, local businesses, something Morris said gives him a unique perspective on representing Forsyth County.
“We are blessed to live in such a great community here in Forsyth County, but we need the right leader to keep it that way,” he said. “As a businessman, I will take a common sense, business approach to state government to protect taxpayers through reforms that lower taxes, cut waste and eliminate regulations to keep our economy and families growing.
“I will work to keep our schools strong, protect our water resources and continue an intense focus on transportation improvements. And as a committed conservative, I will protect the values and principles we hold dear.”
A veteran, Morris joined the Navy after his junior year in high school under the delayed entry program, reporting to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in the summer of 1981 after graduating high school.
Once in the Navy, he was accepted into the Religious Program Specialist, or RP Rating, where he spent nine years providing financial, logistical, technical and personal protection support to the Navy’s Chaplain Corps.
He also received a Navy commendation medal, achievement medal, humanitarian service medal, two good conduct medals and expert pistol and rifle medals.
He recently retired as a master sergeant in the Georgia State Defense Force and said he is an advocate for Vietnam veterans.
Morris and his wife, Donna, have lived in the county since 2004 and have one daughter, Natalie.
The family is actively involved at Lanier Methodist Church, and Morris is a member of both the Lanier-Forsyth Rotary Club and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.