A third candidate has emerged for the state House District 25 seat being vacated by James Mills, who has been named to the state Pardons and Paroles board.

Gainesville lawyer Sonny Sykes said Thursday he plans to seek the office in a special election set for Nov. 8.

"We need good, solid representation in that area, and I think I can provide it," Sykes said. "... There are just so many ills in our society today that require attention, and I feel like I'm in a unique place in my life and ... where I live to offer that."

Sykes, a Gainesville resident since childhood, has practiced law for 37 years.

He joins Bobby Banks, who represented South Hall on the Hall County Board of Commissioners, and Flowery Branch City Councilman Kris Yardley as potential candidates.

Qualifying is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday.

Candidates must qualify in the Elections Division of the Office of Secretary of State, 802 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta. The fee is $400.

There will be no party primaries, though party affiliation will be listed on the ballot. If needed, runoff elections would be held Dec. 6. Citizens must be registered to vote by Oct. 11 to participate in the Nov. 8 special election.

Voter registration forms can be obtained at any county registrar's office or from the secretary of state's website.

There are two other open Northeast Georgia seats in the state legislature.

Vacancies also exist in state Senate District 50 and state House District 10.

Senate District 50 covers Banks, Habersham, Towns and a small eastern portion of White County.

House District 10 covers Habersham County and a southeastern portion of White County.

House District 25 covers part of South Hall.