Georgia House Democrats Nominate Carolyn Hugley for Speaker

House Democrats in Georgia nominated Carolyn Hugley as speaker on Thursday, marking the first time a woman or Black person has been nominated to a full term in the role. The nomination follows the party gaining a majority in the 180-member House for the first time since 2004. Hugley intends to prioritize expanding Medicaid and addressing the cost of living, stating she wants to collaborate with Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms.

The caucus also nominated Representative Billy Mitchell as speaker pro tempore and appointed Stacey Evans as majority leader. Hugley and Mitchell await formal confirmation votes when the legislature convenes in January, where they are set to succeed current Speaker Jon G. Burns.

The Democratic majority currently holds 92 seats, though the margin tightened after 388 previously overlooked ballots in Seminole County were uploaded on November 6. This update returned Republican Gerald Greene to the lead in his specific race. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has until November 20 to certify the final election results.