Special election set to replace Tom Price, now health secretary

ALBANY — Qualifying begins Monday in the 6th Congressional District of Georgia for the U.S. House seat that Dr. Tom Price vacated when he was confirmed as U.S. secretary of health and human services early Friday morning.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp said the qualifying period will end Wednesday and the election for the representative who will fill Price’s unexpired term will be conducted April 18, with advance voting starting March 27.

Both of Georgia’s U.S. senators supported Price’s nomination, which was decided in a 52-47 vote. Price is expected to be involved in the Republican replacement for the Affordable Care Act, which congressional Republicans and President Trump have vowed to repeal.

“As I have said all along, Tom Price is the right man, at the right time, for the right job,” U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Marietta, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, said. “After enduring new levels of obstruction and partisan political games designed to slow down his confirmation, Tom can now get to work and focus on the task of replacing the failed Obamacare with sustainable, free-market principles.

“I’m committed to working with Tom to return authority back to the states to design their own health care markets and see to it that Americans once again have health insurance coverage at a competitive and affordable price,” Isakson continued. “Tom will lead our top health agency with the expertise that every American would hope for and will help ensure that our health care policies focus on the needs of patients.”

Before the vote, U.S. Sen. David Perdue, R-Sea Island, said, “I think we are taking a great American who is willing to volunteer to serve and become a member of this President Trump’s cabinet, and try to make health care better for every American. I can’t think of another person in this country who is more qualified for this timely responsibility.”

U.S. Rep, Austin Scott, R-Tifton, applauded the confirmation of his House colleague.

“Dr. Price will be an excellent Secretary of Health and Human Services,” Scott said. “I am confident that Tom will put his years of experience to good use as he plays a leading role in our efforts replace Obamacare with reforms that focus on the patient, drive down the cost, and increase the accessibility of health care for all Americans. I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of Georgians in his new role.”