Courtney Dillard, who previously ran for a Board of Commissioners seat in 2010, recently announced he is exploring a bid for the fourth Congressional district, currently held by Congressman Hank Johnson. 

“We’ve been thinking about it for a while, studying the landscape,” Dillard told The News on Friday. 

Dillard also said in a statement released earlier on Friday, “The fourth district needs a new vision, a new representation in Washington, and I can provide that.”

The statement went on to say he is examining the district to “properly diagnose the solution” and the issues in the area.

“There is a better way to create jobs, expand opportunities for the district,” he said.

“My decision to explore candidacy is grounded in my deep commitment to God, our great nation, our people and strong desire to create a powerful, prosperous fourth congressional district. 

“I believe that I am the better choice to match this value and the need of the voters in the district,” he said.

The statement highlighted the results of his 2010 election bid against incumbent Commissioner JaNice Van Ness, who received about 53 percent while Dillard received about 47 percent of the vote.

It also described the recently redistricted maps for the fourth congressional seat. 

He said on Friday the map was one of the factors in his decision to look at a bid for Congress. 

“We’re continuing to add a few key people to the team to facilitate the kind of campaign” and to get to know the tri-county area, he said.

Congressman Johnson has not announced whether he would run again. 

For more information, visit www.courtneydillard.com.