A sixth candidate has announced he will seek election to the state House District 25 seat vacated by former Rep. James Mills.

Paul Wayne Godfrey said late Sunday he plans to seek the office in the special election set for Nov. 8.

A 23-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He also taught for 17 years, including 15 years in the Technical College System of Georgia.

Godfrey, who unsuccessfully sought the Hall County Board of Commissioners' Post 1 seat last year, is a Democrat.

He said he "intends to be a mature, conservative voice with a good heart as well as a good head for District 25 and all of Hall County."

The five other candidates who have announced their intention to run are Emory Dunahoo Jr. and Todd Reed, both Oakwood businessmen; Gainesville lawyer Sonny Sykes; former Hall County Commissioner Bobby Banks; and Flowery Branch City Councilman Kris Yardley.

Qualifying begins today for the seat, which Mills left after he was appointed to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Candidates must qualify with the Secretary of State's office until 5 p.m. today, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday.

No party primaries will be held, though party affiliation will be listed on the ballot. A runoff, if needed, would be held Dec. 6.

Voters must be registered by Oct. 11 to cast ballots in the election.