Governor Sonny Perdue today issued writs of special election for two legislative districts whose representatives are seeking higher-office.

In state Senate District 1, Senator Eric Johnson of Savannah resigned Tuesday to run for governor. Representative Buddy Carter, of state House District 159, has said he intends to run for Johnson's seat.

Johnson's and Carter's pursuit of higher office leaves two open seats in the coastal-area region.

The special elections to fill the vacancies will be held on Tuesday, November 3 in conjunction with municipal elections. Qualifying dates will be set by the Secretary of State’s office.

Savannah State Senator Eric Johnson, the GOP's second-ranking member in the State Senate, announced Tuesday that he was giving up his Senate seat in order to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.

Johnson cited consideration for the citizens of the 1st District and a growing momentum in his campaign as factors in his decision.

"Since being elected to the Georgia General Assembly, I always sought to put the interests of my constituents first. After thoughtful and prayerful consideration I have concluded that I could be an effective state senator or an effective candidate for governor, but not both,” said Johnson.

"The time commitment required by either of those roles would have made it hard to give them both the complete attention and maximum effort they deserve."

Tags: lawmakers, Republican, General Assembly, Savannah, gubernatorial, Eric Johnson, gubernatorial race, Republicans, GOP gubernatorial candidate, Georgia General Assemby, 1st District, state senator, Pooler, Buddy Carter