Who's In The Race

Voters in Atlanta's northwest suburbs and exurbs will send a new member to Congress for the first time since 2015, and early voting starts Tuesday, Oct. 13. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) announced in February that he would not seek reelection, saying he wanted more time with his family, CBS News Atlanta reported. ​

The race for Georgia's 11th U.S. House District, which covers Bartow, Gordon and Pickens counties and parts of Cherokee and Cobb, pits Republican John Cowan against Democrat Chris Harden. Cowan, a Rome neurosurgeon who finished second to Marjorie Taylor Greene in a 2020 primary, won a June runoff with about 66% of the vote over Rob Adkerson. Harden, a Woodstock lawyer who represents children and families in juvenile courts, won the May Democratic primary with about 75% over Barry Wolfert.

What They Stand For

Cowan calls himself a "conservative outsider." According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and an iVoterGuide questionnaire, he wants to fix problems he blames on the Affordable Care Act through "more competition and less government." He opposes abortion except to save the mother's life or in cases of rape or incest, supports eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and opposes new gun restrictions. He faced primary attacks over his past criticism of President Donald Trump, whom he now backs.

Harden, who grew up in a mobile home in northwest Georgia, says he is running on affordability for working families. His campaign backs restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits, capping out-of-pocket drug costs and raising the minimum wage. He supports abortion access and wants independent commissions to draw congressional maps.

The Money Behind The Race

Cowan reported raising about $2.3 million through June 30, much of it money he loaned his own campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. After a costly primary and runoff, he had about $18,000 left and about $1.8 million in debt. Harden reported raising about $75,000 and had about $2,200 in the bank.

Outside groups have reported spending about $1.1 million in the race, nearly all of it backing Republicans. Defending Our Values PAC led with about $502,000, followed by GOPAC Election Fund at about $290,000.

Race Outlook: Ratings And Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rates the race Solid Republican as of Sept. 25, and Inside Elections gives it the same rating as of Oct. 2. Sabato's Crystal Ball calls it Safe Republican as of Sept. 29. On Kalshi, traders favored Cowan at about 9.5% as of the late afternoon on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Loudermilk won the district with about 63% of the vote in 2022 and about 67% in 2024. President Donald Trump carried Georgia with about 51% in 2024 after losing it in 2020 to former President Joe Biden.

Georgia's registration deadline passed Monday, Oct. 5. Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 30, mail ballot requests are due Friday, Oct. 23, and polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article