Ron McKenzie suspends congressional campaign, endorses Dr. Everton Blair in Georgia's 13th district race

Gwinnett attorney says crowded Democratic field risks fracturing the vote in GA-13

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The race for Georgia's 13th Congressional District shifted this week after Ron McKenzie, an attorney and business strategist, announced he is suspending his campaign and endorsing fellow Democrat Dr. Everton Blair. McKenzie cited a growing and crowded field in the high-stakes contest and said he believes Blair is best positioned to unite voters around key issues affecting working families, democracy, and economic opportunity.

Why it matters

Georgia's 13th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention as Democrats compete to solidify support in one of the state's most diverse and politically active districts. McKenzie's endorsement of Blair is seen as an effort to avoid vote-splitting and ensure the party fields its strongest candidate.

The details

In a statement, McKenzie said the decision comes amid what he described as a growing and crowded field in the high-stakes contest for Georgia's 13th District. He said he believes Blair, a former Gwinnett County Board of Education chair, has the "experience, judgment, and commitment this moment demands." Despite stepping away from his own bid, McKenzie signaled he will remain active in the district and assist Blair's campaign moving forward.

  • On February 23, 2026, Ron McKenzie announced he is suspending his congressional campaign.

The players

Ron McKenzie

An attorney and business strategist who was running for Congress in Georgia's 13th district before suspending his campaign and endorsing Dr. Everton Blair.

Dr. Everton Blair

A Democrat running for Congress in Georgia's 13th district who received the endorsement of Ron McKenzie after he suspended his own campaign.

Gwinnett County Board of Education

The local school board in Gwinnett County, Georgia, where Dr. Everton Blair previously served as chair.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As this campaign moved forward, it became clear that the field had grown increasingly crowded with candidates who were not prepared for the job…This campaign was never about me. With so much at stake, we cannot allow a crowded field to fracture the vote…That is why I am suspending my campaign effective immediately and endorsing Everton Blair for Congress.”

— Ron McKenzie, Congressional candidate (CBS News Atlanta)

“Everton shares my belief in building an economy that works for working people, defending democracy and our individual freedoms, and leading with strategy and substance rather than rhetoric. He has the experience, judgment, and commitment this moment demands.”

— Ron McKenzie, Congressional candidate (CBS News Atlanta)

“Ron brings seriousness, integrity, and a clear commitment to working people. I'm honored to earn his support and will continue to do the work of building a winning coalition focused on affordability by lowering costs, protecting our freedoms, and delivering for families across GA-13.”

— Dr. Everton Blair, Congressional candidate (CBS News Atlanta)

What’s next

The race for Georgia's 13th Congressional District is expected to continue to intensify as Democrats compete to solidify support in the district. McKenzie's endorsement of Blair is seen as an effort to unify the party behind a single candidate.

The takeaway

McKenzie's decision to suspend his own campaign and endorse Blair reflects the urgency he sees in ensuring the Democratic party fields its strongest candidate in the high-stakes race for Georgia's 13th Congressional District. The endorsement is viewed as an attempt to avoid vote-splitting and build a unified coalition to compete in one of the state's most diverse and politically active districts.