Georgia Democrats Nominate Carolyn Hugley. She Could Become the State's First Black

State Representative Carolyn Hugley has been chosen by Georgia House Democrats to lead the chamber, putting her on a path to potentially become the first Black woman to hold the post.

The full House will vote for speaker on January 11, 2027, when lawmakers convene for the 2027 session, CBS News reported. Hugley currently serves as the House minority leader and represents part of Muscogee County after first being elected in 1993.

Carolyn Hugley poised to make Georgia House history — WSB-TV

“Putting the needs of Georgia’s citizens at the center of our campaigns is how we all got here today,” Hugley said in the caucus announcement. “Today marks the opportunity the people of Georgia have given us to lead Georgia’s House of Representatives and deliver for them.”

Stacey Abrams, who served alongside Hugley in the House, pointed to groundwork that preceded the caucus decision. “Long before Democrats had a majority in the Georgia House, Leader Hugley worked to build one, seat by seat, year by year,” Abrams wrote.

State representative carolyn hugley a democrat from georgia speaks during a news conference

Alongside Hugley’s nomination, House Democrats selected Spencer Frye as caucus chair, Stacey Evans as majority leader, and Sam Park as majority whip. State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver said that the leadership picks faced no opposition during the caucus vote, adding, “Proud to serve with them, now we get to work!”

The leadership vote follows a legislative year that included a special session in June 2026, where Hugley spoke alongside fellow Democratic lawmakers at the Georgia State Capitol. During that same period, Georgia House Republicans shelved plans to redraw congressional and legislative districts, halting an effort that could have reshaped the state’s political maps for 2028.