Carolyn Hugley Nominated to Lead Georgia House

Columbus lawmaker nominated to lead Georgia House as Democrats prepare to reclaim majority for first time in more than two decades

State Rep. Carolyn Hugley of Columbus is poised to make Georgia history after House Democrats nominated her to become the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, marking a historic shift in leadership at the state Capitol.

Hugley, a longtime Democratic lawmaker and former House minority leader, was nominated Thursday as Democrats prepare to regain control of the chamber for the first time since 2004.

If elected by the full House when the General Assembly convenes in January, Hugley would become the first Black person to hold the speaker's position in Georgia's history and the first woman elected to a full term in the role.

The nomination comes nearly 238 years after Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

The historic selection follows a significant Democratic victory in the Nov. 3 general election. Pending certification of unofficial election results by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Democrats are expected to hold a four-seat advantage over Republicans in the House.

Hugley would succeed Republican House Speaker Jon Burns of Newington, whose party has controlled the chamber for more than two decades.

Although Republican Rep. Jan Jones of Milton briefly served as acting speaker following the death of Speaker David Ralston in 2022, Hugley would become the first woman elected to serve a full term as speaker.

Beyond the historic significance of her nomination, Hugley has already outlined an ambitious legislative agenda focused on improving the lives of Georgia families.

She identified Medicaid expansion as a top priority, describing it as "first and foremost" on the House agenda.

Hugley said House Democrats are eager to work with Democratic Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms to expand access to health care and address the rising cost of living.

The potential partnership between Hugley and Bottoms represents another historic development in Georgia politics, with two Black women positioned to lead major branches of state government.

House Democrats also nominated Rep. Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain as speaker pro tempore, the chamber's second-highest leadership position.

Both Hugley and Mitchell must receive confirmation votes from the full House when lawmakers convene in January.

During Thursday's caucus meeting on the House floor, Democrats also selected a leadership team reflecting the state's racial, ethnic and geographic diversity.

Rep. Stacey Evans of Atlanta was named majority leader, while Rep. Sam Park of Lawrenceville was selected as majority whip.

Rep. Spencer Frye of Athens was named majority caucus chair; Rep. Imani Barnes of Tucker, majority caucus vice chair; Rep. Anissa Jones of Macon, majority caucus secretary; Rep. Robert Flournoy of Hampton, majority caucus treasurer; and Rep. Bryce Berry of Atlanta, majority caucus chief deputy whip.

The leadership team includes women and men from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting what Hugley described as a commitment to representing the entire state.

"We built a team that looks like Georgia," Hugley said. "It listens to Georgia. And we intend to fully represent all Georgians."

If confirmed as speaker, Hugley would assume one of the most influential positions in Georgia government.

The speaker presides over House proceedings, influences the legislative agenda and appoints committee chairs. With 44 standing committees currently operating in the House, selecting committee leadership would be among Hugley's first major responsibilities.

Those appointments could significantly influence the direction of legislation involving health care, education, economic development, public safety and other issues affecting Georgia residents.

For Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley, Hugley's nomination carries particular significance.

A veteran legislator who has represented the Columbus area for decades, Hugley has established herself as a prominent voice in state Democratic politics. Her elevation to speaker would place a Columbus lawmaker at the center of legislative decision-making in Atlanta.

Her nomination also represents a milestone in the evolution of political representation in Georgia, a state whose legislative leadership historically has been dominated by white men.

With Democrats preparing to take control of the House and Bottoms preparing to become governor, the 2027 legislative session could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Georgia's political history.

For Hugley, however, the immediate challenge will extend beyond making history. It will involve translating the Democrats' electoral success into legislation that delivers on the party's promises to Georgia voters.

And if the House confirms her nomination in January, Carolyn Hugley will not simply make history as the first Black woman to hold the speaker's gavel. She will help determine the direction of Georgia's legislative future.