Smyrna businessman Hunter Hill has announced his campaign for the Georgia Senate's 6th District, according to a news release.

Hill, a Westminster Schools alum and a former Army captain who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, joins Josh Belinfante and Beth Beskin as candidates in the 2012 Republican primary. The winner will face Democratic incumbent Doug Stoner. The district, redrawn by the GOP-dominated Ga. Legislature, now stretches from Smyrna through Vinings and into Buckhead and Sandy Springs.

"After many prayers and discussions with my family and friends, and encouragement from many throughout our community, I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Georgia State Senate," Hill, 34, said in a statement. "I look forward to bringing principled leadership and a true desire to serve our community to the Legislature."

Hill ran against Stoner in 2008, defeating him in the Vinings and Smyrna precincts that remain in the new district, according to the announcement.

A member of Westminster's Hall of Fame for football and baseball, Hill earned a bachelor of science degree in general management and civil engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he played quarterback and returned punts for the football team and served as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

While in the Army, Hill received two Army commendation medals, the Meritorious Service Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service during three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"During my career as an Army officer, I had the privilege of serving our country in Afghanistan and Iraq." Hill said in his statement. "Through this experience, I realized that the values and principles that made America the greatest country in the world need to be protected now more than ever. I want to continue my service to protect and defend our Constitution as a state senator, representing the people of the 6th District."

After his retirement from the Army, Hill began his business career in real estate and is now director of security for SecurAmerica. He is married to the former Shannan Reese of Atlanta. The Hills are the parents of a son, Hunter Bradley Hill Jr., and are expecting their second child in December. The couple attends the Church of the Apostles in Buckhead.