The race to select the next member of Congress representing the majority of Forsyth and Gwinnett counties is expected to be a tightly contested race between two candidates with many opposing views.
The race for Georgia’s 7th Congressional District is between Incumbent Rob Woodall, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Carolyn Bourdeaux.
Early voting for the Nov. 6 election began on Oct. 15 and will continue on weekdays through Nov. 2. Voting was also held on Oct. 20 and will continue this Saturday.
As of Wednesday, 12,851 voters had cast early ballots.
Early voting is available at the new Forsyth County Voter Registration and Elections Office at 1201 Sawnee Drive weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voting is also available at the Hampton Park Library, the Midway Park Community Building and the Sharon Springs Park Community Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Oct. 27; from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 29, Oct. 31 and Nov. 2; and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 30 and Nov. 1.
Below are some of the candidate’s stances on issues impacting the state.
Rob Woodall
Residence: Lawrenceville
Experience: Woodall has served as congressman for the 7th District since 2011. He is a graduate of the law school of the University of Georgia and Furman University. He formerly served as chief of staff of former Congressman John Linder.
More info: robwoodall.com
Education
Woodall has said he favors making education more local and giving communities more input.
Economy
He has endorsed cutting red tape for businesses and advocated for small business.
Guns
Woodall has said he is in favor of the Second Amendment and opposes “overbearing federal government.”
Health care
At a recent event at Georgia Highlands Medical Services, Woodall praised health centers as “one of the unique areas where the federal government actually plays some positive role in what goes on.” In a forum with Bourdeaux, he said though he has voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, he does not believe leaders will repeal protections for those with pre-existing conditions.
Immigration
Woodall is against illegal immigration and said rules currently on the books should be enforced.
Carolyn Bourdeaux
Residence: Suwanee
Experience: Bourdeaux teaches at Georgia State University and was previously director of the Georgia Senate Budget and Evaluation Office. She received a Ph.D. in public administration from Syracuse University, where she focused on public finance.
More info: carolyn4congress.com
Education
Bourdeaux has said she wants to move toward a universal pre-K program, increasing pay for teachers, improving apprenticeship and technical education programs for high school graduates and programs, such as Pell grants and supplemental loans, to offset college costs.
Economy
Bourdeaux wants to provide increased job training and education opportunities, investing in clean energy and favors raising the federal minimum wage.
Guns
Bourdeaux has said she favors restrictions for bump stocks, civilian access to military-style assault weapons, access to high-capacity magazines, as well as having universal background checks and closing regulatory loopholes at gun shows.
Health care
Bourdeaux said everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care and favors expanding Medicaid.
Immigration
She has expressed support for immigration reform and a path to citizenship for those who came to the country with their parents as children.
