A veteran has stated his intent to challenge Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter, the incumbent, in next year’s Republican primary. Candidate Daniel Merritt released his platform this past week. Democrat Lisa Ring, a Richmond Hill resident who ran against Carter in 2018, said in March that she would run again against Carter in 2020.

One of Merritt’s top priorities, should he win the election, is to focus on Veterans Affairs and making sweeping reforms to the VA, according to a news release.

“As a military veteran he sees the current VA system as a travesty filled with bureaucratic red tape that restricts veterans from getting the aid that they truly need,” Deputy Campaign Manager Will Carter said.

Merritt, who is currently at Army Reserves training in Fort Dix New Jersey, stated in a phone conversation with supporters, “My number one concern is to create a transparent campaign and be trusted throughout the district. Each issue outlined on my platform speaks to the numerous issues that affect everyone throughout the district. I will fight for everyone’s voice to be heard and not just the upper echelon.”

Merritt, a Savannah resident, enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and spent three years stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He transitioned to become an officer in 2005. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a Military Police officer, earning a bronze star for his actions while deployed. MAJ Merritt currently serves in the Army Reserve. He is the co-owner and co-founder of Nine Line Apparel and is founder of Georgia Land and Cattle.

“He will return from training on Memorial Day and will begin a district wide campaign visiting all 17 counties of the First Congressional District to meet with elected officials and voters to hear their concerns,” Will Carter said.

To view the platform go to MerrittforCongress.com/issues.