District 26 state Rep. Marc Morris announced he would not seek re-election in July, and a Forsyth County elected official has announced his intention to run for the seat.

Coroner Lauren McDonald III announced in a news release on Friday that he would seek the seat, which represents east and northeast Forsyth, in 2020.

“I am running for state representative because I believe our community deserves more connectivity and better influence when it comes to our state’s decision-making process,” McDonald said. “Forsyth County is one of the fastest-growing counties in our state. We have incredible schools, thriving local businesses and a quality of life that we all want to protect.”

McDonald was elected to his current term as coroner in May 2016 and had previously held the seat for 12 years before running for sheriff in 2012. Duane Piper was elected as sheriff in that race.

Professionally, McDonald worked for more than 20 years as an EMT/firefighters in Forsyth County and, since 1997, has been funeral director at McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

In the release, McDonald thanked Morris for his service and said he planned to continue representing Forsyth County’s interests at the Capitol.

“We have a billion-dollar industry from Lake Lanier alone, not to mention that we are situated within the technology corridor that is moving very quickly north from Alpharetta” McDonald said. “Marc Morris has represented our district well and I will seek to move forward leveraging my relationships and experience under the Gold Dome. It is time to move Forsyth County from being a donor district to getting a true return on our continuous investment in this state.”

If elected, McDonald said he wants to champion conservative policies at the state level.

“In order to preserve what we’ve got and prepare for our future, we must truly find our voice, unite as leaders across our community and get a lot more involved at the Capitol. We deserve a better seat at the table. Our conservative values must remain in focus and serve as the driving force for decisions that impact our district. I will be the champion for proactive, quality growth, effective infrastructure, protection for our schools and our public safety and real transportation solutions.

“While Georgia has been recognized as the best place to do business for six years, I will ensure that our district is part of that spotlight.”

McDonald’s father, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr., is chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission and served for 20 years as a state Representative.

McDonald and his wife, Claire, have three children and live in Cumming. He is a charter member and second past president of the Lanier/Forsyth Rotary Club, has completed Leadership Forsyth, Leadership Georgia and the Coverdell Leadership Institute and is active with United Way, Red Cross, Forsyth Art Alliance, Sawnee Center, Mashburn Local School Council and youth sports at Sharon Springs.