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Arlene Beckles

From Ballotpedia
Arlene Beckles
Georgia House of Representatives District 96
Tenure
2025 - Present
Term ends
2027
Years in position
1
Predecessor:Pedro Marin (D)
Compensation
Base salary
$25,315.32/year
Per diem
$247/day
Elections and appointments
Last election
November 5, 2024
Education
Associates
New York City Technical College, 1993
Ph.D
Northcentral University, 2018
Personal
Religion
Christian
Profession
IT professional
Contact

Arlene Beckles (Democratic Party) is a member of theGeorgia House of Representatives, representingDistrict 96. She assumed office on January 13, 2025. Her current term ends on January 11, 2027.

Beckles (Democratic Party) ran for election to theGeorgia House of Representatives to representDistrict 96. She won in the general election onNovember 5, 2024.

Beckles completed Ballotpedia'sCandidate Connection survey in 2024.Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Arlene Beckles was born in Barbados. Beckles earned an associate degree from New York City Technical College in 1993 and a Ph.D. from Northcentral University in 2018. Her career experience includes working as an information technologies professional.[1]

Beckles served on the Norcross City Council from 2021 to 2024.[2]

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according toBillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Committee assignments

2025-2026

Beckles was assigned to the following committees:


Elections

2024

See also: Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Georgia House of Representatives District 96

Arlene Beckles won election in the general election for Georgia House of Representatives District 96 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Arlene Beckles
Arlene Beckles (D) Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
13,524

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 13,524
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 96

Arlene Beckles defeatedSonia Lopez in the Democratic primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 96 on June 18, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Arlene Beckles
Arlene Beckles Candidate Connection
 
65.2
 
217
Sonia Lopez
 
34.8
 
116

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 333
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 96

Arlene Beckles andSonia Lopez advanced to a runoff. They defeatedNeva Thompson in the Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 96 on May 21, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Arlene Beckles
Arlene Beckles Candidate Connection
 
39.2
 
506
✔Sonia Lopez
 
30.5
 
394
Neva Thompson
 
30.2
 
390

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,290
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Beckles in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also:Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Arlene Beckles completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Beckles' responses.

Expand all |Collapse all

After 18 years in New York, I moved to Norcross, GA, 20 years ago. I worked in finance, banking, media entertainment, and healthcare. I joke that I'm famous for "trying to stay out of trouble." My title is Lead Cybersecurity/Information Security Project Manager.

My academic background includes Marketing & Sales, Management, Computer Information Systems, and Project Management. My significant academic achievement is my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, which focuses on Emotional Intelligence and Leader Effectiveness. In May 2018, I published "The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Style, and Leader Effectiveness: A Quantitative Correlation Study."

Texas McCombs School of Business offered a cybersecurity postgraduate program I finished. I'm the author of "Mitigating Data Breaches & Enhancing Cybersecurity." I'm pursuing a Juris Master's in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Technology Risk Management.

I am a founding Corpus Christi-based Transformational Emotional Intelligence Foundation member and a researcher with CyberMinds Research Institute. I sat on the State of Georgia's Cybersecurity Planning Committee.

Coming off a successful stint on Norcross City Council, I am equipped and ready to take action as your State Representative for District 96.

Nyasia, a senior at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, is my lovely daughter.
  • Commitment to Quality Healthcare: I am deeply committed to ensuring that every individual in our district has access to high-quality healthcare services. This includes advocating for affordable healthcare options, improving access to preventive care, and addressing disparities in healthcare outcomes.
  • Educating our next generation: My academic background, including a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and ongoing cybersecurity and technology risk management studies, underscores my dedication to continuous learning and research. I believe evidence-based policy-making is crucial in addressing educational challenges effectively.
  • Community Engagement: I have a proven track record of community engagement, having served as a Norcross City Councilmember and participated in various organizations focused on healthcare, transit, economic development, and technology. I understand the needs and concerns of our community and will be a strong advocate for their interests at the state level.
I strongly support high-quality healthcare, preventive, mental health, and inexpensive prescription programs.

Second, as a cybersecurity and information security expert, I am concerned about defending our digital infrastructure and privacy rights in an increasingly interconnected world. Our cybersecurity measures should be strengthened to protect our data systems from cyberattacks.

Promoting small businesses, workforce development, and advocating for economic mobility and prosperity policies. We can strengthen and fortify our community by encouraging business and giving people the skills they need. Education is the foundation of opportunity and social mobility.
As an individual with a diverse background and multifaceted political philosophy, I recommend a book like "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. This book provides insight into pragmatic optimism, community engagement, and the importance of inclusive policy making, reflecting key aspects of my own approach to governance.
The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, transparency, empathy, accountability, and a commitment to serving the best interests of their constituents. Elected officials should prioritize ethical decision-making, open communication, understanding diverse perspectives, and taking responsibility for their actions and decisions.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to office include representing the interests and concerns of constituents, crafting and voting on legislation, overseeing the budget and government spending, addressing constituent inquiries and issues, and working collaboratively with other officials to advance the community's well-being.
My first job was as an after-school tutor, a role I held for two semesters. I did this to stay out of trouble and keep busy. As a tutor, I worked closely with students, providing academic support, mentoring, and guidance. It was a rewarding experience that instilled a passion for education and helping others succeed. This is still evident to this day as I'm currently in law school!
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is characterized by collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. While the governor sets the agenda, the legislature oversees and crafts legislation. Constructive dialogue and compromise are essential for effective governance and addressing the needs of the state's citizens.
Over the next decade, Georgia will face significant challenges, including managing rapid population growth, ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare, addressing infrastructure needs, and navigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the state will need to grapple with issues such as economic inequality, racial justice, and political polarization. Striking a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability and fostering social cohesion and inclusivity will be critical for Georgia's long-term prosperity and well-being. Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership and proactive policymaking will be essential in addressing these multifaceted challenges.
Previous experience in government or politics can provide valuable insights and skills that can benefit state legislators. However, diverse backgrounds and perspectives are also important for effectively representing constituents' interests. A combination of experience, expertise, and a commitment to public service is ideal for effective governance.
Yes, building relationships with other legislators is crucial for effective governance. Collaborative relationships enable legislators to work across party lines, negotiate compromises, and pass legislation that benefits constituents. By fostering trust and understanding, legislators can navigate complex issues more effectively and find common ground on key policy priorities. Additionally, strong relationships facilitate information-sharing, coalition-building, and the exchange of ideas, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes for the communities they serve.
While I admire various legislators for their dedication and leadership, I believe in crafting my approach to governance that reflects my values, experiences, and the needs of my constituents. I draw inspiration from diverse sources and aim to be an authentic, effective representative for my community.
As a candidate for GA State Representative District 96, my immediate focus is on serving my constituents effectively and addressing their needs. While I remain open to opportunities for leadership and public service, my current priority is representing my district and making a positive impact at the state level.
One story that deeply resonated with me was about a constituent struggling with access to affordable housing for her family. Her story highlighted the urgent need for various types of housing options. It reinforced my commitment to advocating for policies that ensure safe, affordable home-ownership access for all residents in my district.
Yes, the legislature should oversee the use of emergency powers to ensure accountability and checks on executive authority. While emergency powers may be necessary in crisis situations, legislative oversight ensures that such powers are exercised judiciously and in accordance with democratic principles, safeguarding the rights of citizens.
If elected, my first bill would focus on expanding access to affordable housing for all residents in my district. This comprehensive legislation would address housing disparities, improve housing options, and enhance the application/financing process, ensuring every individual can get access to housing they can afford in order for them to thrive.
Several committees interest me due to my background and policy priorities. These include committees focused on healthcare, cybersecurity, technology, education, and economic development. I'm particularly interested in committees that address issues related to equity, innovation, and community empowerment.
I strongly believe in financial transparency and government accountability. Transparency builds trust and ensures taxpayer funds are used efficiently and ethically. Accountability holds officials responsible for their actions and decisions, fostering integrity and responsiveness in governance. Both are essential for a functioning democracy and effective public service delivery.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Ballotpedia LogoNote: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf.Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at theFEC website. Clickhere for more on federal campaign finance law andhere for more on state campaign finance law.

Arlene Beckles campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024Georgia House of Representatives District 96Won general$1,725 $4,519
Grand total$1,725 $4,519
Sources:OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Scorecards

See also:State legislative scorecards andState legislative scorecards in Georgia

Ascorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Georgia scorecards, email suggestions toeditor@ballotpedia.org.












See also


External links

Candidate

Georgia House of Representatives District 96

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    • Footnotes

    1. ↑Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 20, 2024
    2. ↑AJC, "Just 300 voters chose a new Georgia State House member this week from Norcross," June 19, 2024

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Pedro Marin (D)    		Georgia House of Representatives District 96
    2025-Present    		Succeeded by
    -


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