ATLANTA — On Friday, Sen. Harold Jones II was appointed to lead the Democratic caucus in the Georgia Senate. He expressed his intent to vigorously pursue policy objectives, even as Republicans continue to hold a strong majority within the chamber.
“We will make it a priority to focus on working families in Georgia and the everyday concerns that our party stands for,” Jones stated following his selection at a Democratic retreat in Savannah.
The outcomes from the recent November elections confirmed the Senate’s composition will remain 33 Republicans to 23 Democrats, as all incumbents secured their positions for another term. This election cycle was also the first following a redistricting of Georgia’s 56 state Senate districts by Republican lawmakers, leading to minimal significant competition for those Senate seats.
Despite the victory of Republican president-elect Donald Trump in Georgia, Jones emphasized that the state still operates as a battleground where Democrats retain a degree of influence. He highlighted the progress made in advancing Medicaid expansion in the Senate last year and assured that the Democrats would continue to support such measures.
“As the minority party, we recognize that change may take time,” Jones remarked. “We are prepared to be patient in our efforts to do what is right for Georgians.”
A practicing attorney from Augusta, Jones currently holds the title of Democratic whip and serves on the Ethics Committee.
He will succeed Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler, who has chosen to retire after a distinguished 26-year tenure in the legislature. Of those years, she held various leadership roles for 19 of them, including four years as the minority leader.
“The sense of unity and support we experienced today filled me with pride to be part of this gathering,” Butler expressed after the caucus convened for the leadership elections.
Butler indicated that Democrats would remain committed to their traditional priorities, including focusing on education. However, she also recognized that addressing gun violence has become increasingly pressing, particularly following a recent shooting at Apalachee High School, located north of Atlanta. There are ongoing efforts among Democrats to expand financial assistance for college students and to improve funding for public education, as well as encourage safe gun storage practices.
Additionally, Democrats elected Sen. Kim Jackson from Stone Mountain to the position of Democratic whip, while Sen. Elena Parent from Atlanta was named chair, Sen. Sonya Halpern of Atlanta became vice chair, Sen. Jason Esteves of Atlanta was appointed finance chair, and Sen. Nan Orrock from Atlanta will serve as secretary.
In the upcoming week, House Democrats are set to choose a new minority leader after Rep. James Beverly of Macon announced his decision to step down. On the House Republican side, Jon Burns of Newington is expected to be renominated as speaker.
Senate Republicans opted to maintain their current leadership, appointing Sen. John Kennedy of Macon as the president pro tem, who serves as the second-ranking official in the chamber.