Editor’s note: The District 6 Senate seat is held by Doug Stoner, D-Smyrna. Smyrna resident Hunter Hill, a Republican, announced his candidacy last month, and will battle fellow GOP candidates Beth Beskin, of Buckhead, and Josh Belinfante, of Sandy Springs in the July primary election. The general election will be in November 2012.

Smyrna resident Hunter Hill is the third Republican to toss his hat in the ring for the newly redrawn state Senate District 6, which now incorporates parts of Buckhead and Sandy Springs.

Hill ran against incumbent Doug Stoner, D-Smyrna, in 2008, garnering 39.4 percent of the vote.

“We had a lot of support out of Vinings and Smyrna and some out of Mableton,” said the decorated Army captain.

He completed three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan beginning in 2002. Hill said he is optimistic because the precincts he carried remained in District 6 after this summer’s redistricting process, in which the district shifted north and east.

As to the newly added sections of the district, Hill, a Westminster graduate, Buckhead Baseball and NYO football alum, said he is tuned in to the needs of the area.

“Most of my life has been in Buckhead, Vinings and Smyrna,” he said.

However, it was time spent away from the Northside that most influences his decision making, Hill said.

“I want to run because I got to spend some time overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq and it gave me great perspective on the values and principals of our country,” said Hill, a West Point graduate. “Those are values and principals I want to preserve.”

He said he will campaign to eliminate regulations, simplify the tax code, improve public schools and decrease congestion.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve again,” he said. “I think we need leaders with business and military experience to lead from the front in our state Senate.”

After his retirement from the Army, Hill, 34, began his business career in real estate, and is currently director of security for SecurAmerica. He and his wife Shannan are the parents of Hunter Bradley Hill Jr. and are expecting their second child in December.