A long-time Norcross businessman Mark Williams announced that he will run as a Republican for the 96th District, which includes parts of Norcross and Duluth, according to a recently released statement.

“Gwinnett needs to elect more legislators who are primarily focused on fixing the problems in our county, not playing partisan politics,” said Williams in the statement. “I have a proven record of being effective for our community, and believe that it’s time to elect more effective leaders.”

Currently, Democrat Pedro Marin holds the seat.

The portion of the district in the 30071 zip code, which includes downtown Norcross, was reduced in the newly drawn district maps. Marin has said that Republicans would like to get him out with the new map. “They increased the number of Republican voters, hoping that I will finally lose an election," Marin told Patch earlier this week.

Along with his brother, Williams owns and operates Norcross-based Printing Trade Company, a commercial printing company that has been in business for 40 years. 

Williams lives in Duluth’s Cardinal Lake community, where he has also served as president of the homeowners association. Williams has also served as chairman of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District.