Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ruled Friday that Jeff Lewis was ineligible to qualify as a candidate in the state Senate District 52 race against incumbent Chuck Hufstetler.
The move comes after an administrative court recommended invalidating the candidacy because Lewis has failed to file a campaign disclosure for a decade. Lewis had $75,000 in his account but has not filed a disclosure since leaving the house in 2008. Lewis previously served in the state house for nearly 15 years
Georgia law says that lawmakers must file their campaign disclosures periodically until all the money has been spent, given to a charity or refunded to donors.
Lewis released a statement vowing to appeal, to the Georgia Supreme Court if necessary.
Meanwhile, signs will be posted at poll stations notifying voters of the decision, SOS spokesman Walter Jones said.
A third GOP candidate, Derek Keeney, who is chairman of the Bartow County Board of Education has also qualified for the 52nd district Senate seat.
There is no democratic challenger, meaning who ever wins the May 24th primary will be the senator that represents the 52nd district.
Lewis’ name will remain on the ballot but any votes for him will not be counted.
