Carolyn Hugley poised to become Georgia’s first Black House speaker

The longtime Democratic lawmaker was nominated to lead the chamber as her party prepares to take control of the Georgia House for the first time in decades.

Georgia State Rep. Carolyn Hugley is poised to make history as the first Black speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives after Democratic lawmakers nominated her for the leadership position on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Hugley, who represents Columbus, has served in the state House for 34 years and became minority leader two years ago. Her nomination comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the chamber in January, alongside a new statewide Democratic leadership team led by Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms. According to  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The formal House vote to elect the speaker is expected when the General Assembly convenes in January.

Speaking after her nomination at the Georgia Capitol, Hugley said her priorities would include expanding access to healthcare and addressing the rising cost of living for Georgia residents. She specifically highlighted efforts to make more people eligible for Georgia’s Medicaid program, alongside concerns about housing, groceries, gas and childcare.

“Throughout Georgia, we’re trying to work to get people to understand that we have an opportunity to address these issues,” Hugley said. Her nomination follows a major political shift in Georgia, where Democrats recently secured victories in statewide elections, including Bottoms’ historic election as the state’s first Black woman governor.

Carolyn Hugley’s nomination was part of a broader leadership announcement by House Democrats, who also selected State Rep. Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain as speaker pro tempore. The caucus named Stacey Evans of Atlanta as majority leader, Robert Trammell of Luthersville as majority whip and Anissa Jones of Macon as caucus chair. Other members of the incoming leadership team include Spencer Frye of Athens as deputy majority leader and Sam Park of Lawrenceville as caucus secretary.

The nominations come as Republicans prepare to relinquish control of the House after holding the majority for decades. Democrats will take charge with a narrow majority, making legislative negotiations and party unity central to their agenda.