Democrat announces for Governor race

NEWNAN - Former state Sen. Connie Stokes said she will run as the Democratic challenger against Republican Gov. Nathan Deal.

Stokes told The Associated Press on Saturday that she plans a formal announcement in a few weeks.

Democrats have been searching for a candidate to challenge Deal. The Republican incumbent faces two GOP primary challengers, Dalton Mayor David Pennington and state schools Superintendent John Barge.

Stokes was in Newnan for the election of the next chair of Georgia's Democratic Party. She previously served as a floor leader under former Gov. Roy Barnes. She said she's working on a political agenda that will focus on creating jobs, improving education and enhancing government transparency.

She is 59 and lives in Lithonia. She works as a business management consultant.