FORSYTH COUNTY -- Lauren W. McDonald III is entering the Republican race for the District 27 state Senate seat. McDonald most recently served as county coroner for 12 years and as a county firefighter for 25 years. He is an avid supporter of the youth sports community and spends his evenings and weekends coaching. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support from the community over the past decade,” McDonald said. “This community has given me so much.“It is my desire to give back and faithfully serve as the next state senator from Forsyth. After prayerful consideration and much counsel, I have decided to run.” McDonald will campaign against incumbent Jack Murphy and Michael Williams, who announced his candidacy earlier in the year. The McDonald & Son Funeral Home owner employs 17 people at his business, and said he understands what it means to sign the front of paychecks, not just the back. Bringing high-paying, quality jobs to Georgia and Forsyth County will be his top priority. Forsyth is an attracter for businesses, he said, because the community has a large tax base with a low tax burden, in addition to a quality school system.“Forsyth County needs a senator in tune with the needs of our community, a leader who is a full-time resident and successful business owner,” McDonald said. “I plan on taking my conservative, pro-business, small government values to the state Capitol. Every citizen of Forsyth County will have a friend [there].” McDonald said he is a conservative leader who is vested in the community. He works, volunteers and lives in Forsyth with his wife Claire and three children. The family worships at Cumming First United Methodist Church. McDonald said he’s lived 17 years in Forsyth, where he plans to eventually retire.