With the new Legislative session looming and the 2024 elections in the rearview mirror, Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the Georgia House have chosen their leadership for the next two years. Republicans decided to keep their leadership team intact, while Democrats have a new slate of officers.
Republicans renominated Jon Burns of Newington as speaker last week in their caucus meeting. The full House will vote on the position when it reconvenes in January. Although Republicans lost two seats in this election, they still hold a majority, so Burns is expected to win.
“As we look forward to January, I am incredibly confident in the strength of the majority we have worked to defend, and I know there is no issue too big for us to address,” Burns said.
According to reports, Burns said the chamber will work next year to invest in education and increase access to healthcare. He also said the House will address school safety “and ensure that we take every reasonable measure to ensure that a tragedy like what happened at Apalachee High School never happens in our state again, while upholding the rights and privileges of our law-abiding citizens.”
Rep. Jan Jones of Milton will remain as Speaker Pro Tem and Rep. Chuck Efstration of Dacula will return as majority leader. Rep. James Burchett of Waycross will remain whip, while Rep. Houston Gaines of Athens will remain vice chair and Rep. Bruce Williamson III of Monroe will remain caucus chair. Rep. Ginny Ehrhart of Powder Springs will serve a second term as Secretary and Treasurer of the House Majority Caucus.
Democrats in the Georgia House chose a new slate leaders late last week. Carolyn Hugley of Columbus was elected minority leader for the next two years. Others chosen for the leadership role seemed to represent a break from their outgoing Minority Leader James Beverly of Macon.
“We’re going to be majority minded, we’re going to be member focused, and we’re going to continue to work,” Hugley said after she was elected during the gathering held behind closed doors.
Hugley defeated Rep. Derrick Jackson of Tyrone for minority leader. Democrats chose second-term Rep. Tanya Miller of Atlanta as caucus chair – voting out Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain. Sam Park of Lawrenceville will remain as Minority Whip after a challenge from Rep. Jasmine Clark of Lilburn. Democrats chose Spencer Frye of Athens as vice chair and Saira Draper of
Atlanta as Deputy whip. Park Cannon of Atlanta remained caucus secretary and Solomon Adesanya of Marietta remained treasurer.
This was the fourth time Hugley had sought the top Democratic post. She said bringing Democrats together will be a big part of her job.
