State Senator Mae Beavers has resigned her seat to campaign full-time for governor. The Dist. 17 Senator made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. By resigning her seat the Tea Party-aligned Republican will be allowed to raise campaign money while lawmakers return to their legislative session next year. Raising campaign funds while lawmakers are in session is not allowed by state law. According to the Secretary of State’s website, since next year’s general election is over a year away, Beaver’s resignation from the Senate triggers a special election. A special primary for that election could take place as early as October. The District 17 Senate seat serves Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, and Wilson Counties.