A Republican state lawmaker from Bartow County says he's running for Georgia's 11th District congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Phil Gingrey.

State Sen. Barry Loudermilk of Cassville announced his candidacy Saturday at the district GOP convention in Marietta. Gingrey, who has represented the House district for 11 years, is running to succeed the retiring U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Loudermilk has served in the Legislature since he was elected to the state House in 2004. He won his current seat in the state Senate in 2010.

Loudermilk owns a small business and served eight years in the Air Force.

Tags: Saxby Chambliss, elections, Phil Gingrey, Barry Loudermilk