Treutlen County Probate Judge T.J. Hudson announced his candidacy this week to seek the office of Georgia Secretary of State.

Hudson, a native of Treutlen County, was elected to four term as the County Probate Judge and brings with him a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the election process.

“I think we need someone in Atlanta with experience,” he said. “I’ve got 17 years of overseeing elections. I also think we need someone who rural Georgians can pick up the telephone and be able to speak with and not be put off to an associate.”

As a rural Georgian himself, he said that he will take the values of the people in the area to Atlanta and be willing to help in any way he can.

“We just need someone in office with some common sense; I have that” he said. “I also have 17 years of election experience and I will work for the people of Georgia if elected as Secretary of State.”

In in addition to the local official, other candidates include incumbent Brad Raffensperger and

Hudson said that he was required by the Judicial Qualification Commission to resign as the Treutlen County Probate Judge and tendered his resignation on Monday of this week.