LISTEN: Georgia’s legislative session gets underway on Jan. 13, and newly elected lawmakers are preparing. GPB's Sarah Kallis talks to two new state lawmakers. 

Georgia State Capitol

Twenty-two new state lawmakers will be sworn in Jan. 13 when the 2025 legislative session starts. 

Democratic state Sen.-elect Rashaun Kemp will be representing an Atlanta district held by retiring Democratic state Sen. Horacena Tate. Kemp, an education activist, says he is most looking forward to continuing his work on education policy.

“I think by and large, there are going to be a lot of areas where we can work together," he said. "And that's what I'm really most excited to do."

Republican state Sen.-elect Drew Echols’ will represent a Hall County district in a seat held by his wife, state Sen. Shelly Echols. He says he is excited to serve.

“I've been a fan of politics for a long time," he said. "It's a lot of information getting thrown at me in just the past few months. But, you know, they say it's kind of like drinking from a fire hose.”

Echols says he is most interested in transportation and agriculture policy.

New and returning lawmakers will be back under the Gold Dome in January. 

Tags: Georgia  Legislature  Politics  Georgia Politics