22 new state lawmakers set to be sworn in

Georgia lawmakers return to work under the gold dome at the State Capitol on Jan. 13, 2025. (Credit: GPB News)

Georgia’s legislative session gets underway on Jan. 13, and newly elected lawmakers are preparing. Twenty-two new state lawmakers will be sworn in when the 2025 legislative session starts.

Democratic state Sen.-elect Rashaun Kemp will be representing an Atlanta district held by retiring Democratic state Sen. Horacena Tate. Kemp, an education activist, says he is most looking forward to continuing his work on education policy.

“I think, by and large, there are going to be a lot of areas where we can work together,” he said. “And that’s what I’m really most excited to do.”

Republican state Sen.-elect Drew Echols’ will represent a Hall County district in a seat currently held by his wife, state Sen. Shelly Echols. He says he is excited to serve.

“I’ve been a fan of politics for a long time,” he said. “It’s a lot of information getting thrown at me in just the past few months. But, you know, they say it’s kind of like drinking from a fire hose.”

Echols says he is most interested in transportation and agriculture policy.

Shelly Echols chose not to seek reelection to spend more time with her family, including the couple’s teenage son with Down Syndrome.

This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News