ATLANTA – Retiring U.S. Rep. John Linder’s former chief of staff is leading an eight-way Republican primary race for a chance to replace the veteran Georgia congressman.
Rob Woodall, of Lawrence, has 38 percent of the vote according to unofficial returns, with 16 percent of precincts reporting.
State Rep. Clay Cox, of Lilburn, was second with 23 percent, followed by Jody Hice, of Bethlehem, with 19 percent.
A runoff was likely in the Republican contest for the metro-Atlanta District.
Also in the running are former Gwinnett County GOP chairman Chuck Efstration, of Dacula; Jef Fincher, of Duluth; Tom Kirby, of Loganville; Ronnie Grist, of Lawrenceville; and Tom Parrott, of Norcross.
Linder is retiring after representing the district for 18 years.
Only one Democrat, Doug Heckman, of Norcross, is seeking Linder’s seat.