Marquese “Skinny” Averett Elected to Georgia House of Representatives

Marquese “Skinny” Averett has been elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, securing a seat in the state Legislature and marking a new chapter in his public service career.

Averett's election gives him an opportunity to represent the interests of Columbus-area residents at the state Capitol in Atlanta, where lawmakers make decisions affecting education, economic development, public safety, health care and other issues important to local communities.

As a newly elected state representative, Averett will join the Georgia General Assembly at a time when communities across the state are looking to elected officials for leadership, accountability and solutions to pressing challenges.

Unofficial results from Tuesday's general election showed Averett, a Democrat, defeating Republican Edward Kvietkus with approximately 80.8% of the vote to Kvietkus' 19.2%. Averett received 9,084 votes, compared with 2,156 for Kvietkus.

Averett will represent House District 140, succeeding Democrat Teddy Reese, who vacated the seat to seek election to the Georgia Senate. Reese won the Senate District 15 race, replacing retiring state Sen. Ed Harbison.

Following his victory, Averett expressed appreciation to voters in his hometown.

"It's the honor of my lifetime to be elected to the Georgia State House representing my hometown. Thank you, Columbus!" Averett wrote on social media.

Averett's victory adds a new face to Columbus' legislative delegation as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 session of the Georgia General Assembly.