A Republican state lawmaker with ties to Gov. Nathan Deal says he will run for Georgia's newest congressional seat.

State Rep. Doug Collins, of Gainesville, is serving his third term in the state House and served as one of the governor's floor leaders, sponsoring Deal's proposal to revamp the HOPE scholarship.

His current House district includes portions of Hall, Lumpkin, and White counties.

Collins served a combat tour in Iraq. A former small business owner, he now practices law in Gainesville.

Conservative radio show host Martha Zoller has also said she will seek the seat in northeast Georgia.

The state gained a congressional seat due to growing population. The new congressional map must still be signed by Deal and receive approval from the Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act.

Tags: lawmakers, Gainesville, Governor Nathan Deal, congressional district, State Rep. Doug Collins