Former Army Ranger plans to challenge Bishop

COLUMBUS — Bruce McPherson, a former active-duty U.S. Army Ranger and Green Beret, will formally announce his run for congress in Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District today on the courthouse steps here.

McPherson will challenge 23-year Democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop.

McPherson calls himself a political outsider. He spent 10 years in military service as an Army infantry and Special Forces officer. He completed two deployments in Afghanistan and continues to serve as a major in the Army Reserves. A small business owner, family man and father of three, McPherson says he believes it is time to elect a proven man of action to represent Georgia’s 2nd District.

McPherson said he decided to run for office because of his belief that politicians must keep their promises to their constituents and focus on job growth, supporting farmers, protecting military bases, helping single mothers, strengthening educational institutions, caring for veterans, and growing the economy in the 2nd Congressional District. The Republican candidate said he is tired of seeing petty partisan bickering get in the way of accomplishing meaningful results for the American people.

“When 9/11 struck, I could not stand idly by when the country was in crisis. During my combat tours in Afghanistan, I learned what it meant to fight for people who had no voice and who only wanted a better future for their children,” McPherson said. “That’s what I want to do for the people of Southwest Georgia. I cannot stand idly by while I see my district and community in economic crisis.”

The 2nd Congressional District is one of the state’s largest districts by size, but primarily comprises rural regions. The district includes Albany, Americus, Bainbridge, Cordele, and parts of Macon and Columbus. The region’s economy, McPherson notes, continues to languish in a business-friendly state. McPherson said he wants an opportunity to fight for the people of this district, just as he fought with rural farmers against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

McPherson will make his public announcement at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Columbus Courthouse, located at 100 E 10th St.