Politics
Georgia House Democrats to elect first Black speaker, most diverse leadership team in state history
After flipping the chamber for the first time in 22 years, Georgia House Democrats will vote Thursday on a leadership slate led by Carolyn Hugley, who is set to become the state's first Black House speaker. The team, including three Black women and two Black men, would be the most diverse in a chamber Republicans have controlled since 2005.
Georgia House Democrats will gather Thursday to elect a leadership team that reflects the party's historic takeover of the chamber, with Rep. Carolyn Hugley of Columbus poised to become the first Black speaker of the Georgia House.
Hugley, who spent more than two decades in the minority, leads a slate that includes three Black women, two Black men, an Asian American man, a white woman and a white man. It is likely the most diverse leadership lineup ever assembled in a chamber Republicans have controlled since 2005.
The vote follows last week's election in which Democrats flipped the House, ending 22 years of GOP dominance. The new majority will take office in January.
The emerging leadership team is expected to include Rep. Sam Park of Lawrenceville, Rep. Spencer Frye of Athens, Rep. Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain, Rep. Imani Barnes of Tucker, Rep. Robert Dawson of LaGrange, Rep. Michelle Au of Johns Creek, Rep. Saira Draper of Atlanta and Rep. Anne Westbrook of Atlanta, among others.
Democrats are also weighing committee assignments that could elevate several members to chairmanships. Rep. Al Williams of Midway is seen as a possible chair of the House Democratic Caucus, while Rep. David Wilkerson of Powder Springs and Rep. Spring Wiley are among those mentioned for leadership roles.
The new majority comes as Georgia's political landscape shifts. A surge of Latino voters helped fuel the Democratic sweep, a remarkable turnaround for a voting bloc that helped President Donald Trump reclaim the state just two years ago. Democrats in Georgia's congressional delegation are also set to move into new leadership roles as their party takes control of the U.S. House and Senate in January.
Outgoing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican, is floating a compromise on Medicaid expansion, one of the state's most divisive issues. Meanwhile, the Blue Dog Democrats are growing their ranks and aiming to shape the House agenda.
Hugley's election as speaker would mark a milestone in a state where Black women have increasingly taken on prominent political roles. The leadership vote is scheduled for Thursday.