GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) — A northeast Georgia mayor says he will challenge U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde in the Republican primary in 2026, which could capitalize on discontent among business leaders with Clyde’s ultraconservative approach to representing Georgia’s 9th Congressional District.

Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon announced Tuesday that he is entering the race for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District.

Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon announced on Tuesday that he will run against Clyde in next year's 9th District Republican primary election. He is the only candidate to step forward and offer a challenge to the incumbent congressman for the 2026 election cycle.