At a news conference at the Georgia Capitol, Hugley vowed to work on expanding eligibility for Georgia's Medicaid program and addressing affordability concerns facing ordinary Georgians. "We're going to work on the issues that matter to families across Georgia: health care, groceries, gas prices, child care and affordability," she said. "That's what we're focused on."

Hugley's nomination comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the House in January, pairing her with Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms. The two will be among a diverse group of Democratic leaders taking charge, including a slate of women and Black officials elected to top posts. The Democratic caucus also nominated State Rep. Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain for speaker pro tempore, along with a full roster of leaders including a whip, treasurer, secretary, majority leader and caucus chair.

"This is an amazing talent that we have coming up," Mitchell said after accepting his nomination. "I think it's going to be a caucus that is reflective of the talent and the amazing opportunities that we have here."

Hugley succeeds Republican Speaker Jon Burns, who held the post for four years. Burns offered congratulations to Hugley, saying in a statement that he supports her and her caucus. "I look forward to working with Speaker Hugley and her leadership team," he said.

The nomination marks a historic shift in Georgia politics. Hugley, who represents Columbus, has been a fixture in the House since first winning election in 1992. She previously served as minority leader and has been a vocal advocate for Medicaid expansion, which Republicans have long resisted. Her elevation to speaker would give Democrats a powerful platform to push for health care access and economic relief for working families.

Democrats will hold a narrow majority in the House, with 39 seats to Republicans' 19, according to the latest count. The party's new leadership team also includes State Rep. Saira Draper as majority whip, State Rep. Stacey Evans as caucus chair, State Rep. Billy Mitchell as speaker pro tempore, State Rep. Sam Park as treasurer, State Rep. Robert Dawson as secretary, State Rep. Mitchell Kaye as majority leader and State Rep. Lauren Daniel as caucus leader.

The formal vote to elect Hugley as speaker will take place when the General Assembly convenes in January. If confirmed, she will become one of the most powerful politicians in the state, working alongside Bottoms, who was elected governor in November.

Hugley's nomination was met with enthusiasm from her colleagues. "I think it's going to be a caucus that is reflective of the talent and the amazing opportunities that we have here," Mitchell said. "This is an amazing talent that we have coming up."

The historic nature of Hugley's nomination was not lost on her supporters. She would be the first Black speaker in Georgia's history, breaking a barrier that has stood since the founding of the state. Her leadership comes at a critical moment for Georgia, as Democrats seek to address long-standing inequities in health care, education and economic opportunity.

As speaker, Hugley will have significant influence over the legislative agenda, including the state budget and committee assignments. She has signaled that Medicaid expansion will be a top priority, a move that could extend health coverage to hundreds of thousands of low-income Georgians. Republicans have opposed expansion, but with Democrats in control of the House, the dynamics have shifted.

Hugley's nomination also reflects the growing diversity of Georgia's electorate and the Democratic Party's commitment to reflecting that diversity in its leadership. The slate of nominees includes women, Black lawmakers and representatives from across the state, underscoring a new era in Georgia politics.

The formal election of Hugley as speaker will take place in January when the General Assembly convenes. Until then, she and her leadership team will prepare for the legislative session and begin laying out their agenda for the coming year.