Veteran Rep. Nathan Deal announced May 1, just five days ago, that he is running for governor of Georgia. And fellow Republicans who want to succeed him are rushing to get a jump on the open-seat race in Georgia’s 9th District — the most heavily Republican among the state’s 13 districts.

Former state Sen. Bill Stephens said Wednesday he is preparing to enter the 9th District race. He said six generations of his family have roots in the district, which shares a border with Tennessee in the northernmost part of Georgia.

“I feel like my DNA matches the district,” Stephens said, adding, “And I think this is a crucial time not only in Georgia, but in the country, and I want to be a part of that.”