Family priorities outvote politics
Georgia Rep. Ronnie Mabra, a Democrat who represents Fayetteville in District 63, announced on Jan. 4 that he will not seek re-election. The two-term legislator said he wants to support wife Dawn’s desire to become a physician and to take an active role in raising their new baby.
Mabra first won election in August 2012. He ran unopposed in 2014. Mabra said he will complete his current term, is looking forward to the 2016 legislative session and looks forward to conducting town hall meetings throughout the year.
“After much discussion and praying with my family, I announce that I will not seek re-election as State Representative for House District 63. As many of you know my son, Ronald E. Mabra III (Remiii), was born in September,” Mabra said in a letter to constituents.
“Dawn and I appreciate all of the phone calls, emails and other congratulatory messages as we welcomed our first child into this world. Remiii’s birth has changed our lives in so many wonderful ways and as a family we are doing some restructuring.”
Mabra said Dawn has decided to return to school, noting that she has always dreamed of becoming a physician.
“I am very proud that she has enrolled in a Masters Program at the Morehouse School of Medicine,” said Mabra. “I am very fortunate to have a loving wife that has supported me while I was building a law practice, while I ran for public office and as I have served the people of District 63. It is now time that I be by her side as she pursues her dreams. This means taking an extremely active role in raising our son while she continues her education.”
Mabra is known for saying in his newsletter that he represents the “best constituents on Earth.” Those constituents are long-term, given that Mabra grew up in Fayetteville, attended East Fayette Elementary School, Fayette Middle School and Fayette County High School and played at McCurry Park.
“I truly mean that,” Mabra said of having the best constituents. “I have loved this community since I was a very small boy and that love grows each day. I want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunities He has bestowed upon me. Next, I want to thank the citizens of House District 63 for allowing me to serve. I want to thank my loving wife for her unwavering support and understanding over the last four years. I want to thank all my staff, interns and aides, family, friends, and supporters. You have all helped to make these some of the most memorable years of my life.”
