Georgia General Assembly
| Georgia General Assembly | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type: | State legislature |
| Term limits: | None |
| Session start: | January 12, 2026 |
| Website: | Official Legislature Page |
| Leadership | |
| Senate President: | Burt Jones (R) |
| House Speaker: | Jon Burns (R) |
| Majority Leader: | Senate:Jason Anavitarte (R) House:Chuck Efstration (R) |
| Minority Leader: | Senate:Harold V. Jones II (D) House:Carolyn Hugley (D) |
| Structure | |
| Members: | 56 (Senate), 180 (House) |
| Length of term: | 2 years (Senate),2 years (House) |
| Authority: | Art III, Section 4, Georgia Constitution |
| Salary: | $25,315.32/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
| Last election: | November 5, 2024 |
| Next election: | November 3, 2026 |
| Redistricting: | Georgia Legislature has control |
TheGeorgia General Assembly is thestate legislature ofGeorgia. It isbicameral, being composed of theGeorgia House of Representatives and theGeorgia Senate.
Georgia has a Republicantrifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
Senate
The Georgia State Senate is the upper house of the Georgia General Assembly. According to theGeorgia Constitution of 1983, this body is to be composed of no more than 56 members elected for two-year terms.
As of the 2020 Census, Georgia state senators represented an average of191,523 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented173,707 residents.
Current state law provides for 56 members. Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. The highest position in the Senate, after the President of the Senate, a position held by the Lieutenant Governor, is that of President Pro Tempore.
| As of February 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Members | |
| Democratic | 23 | |
| Republican | 31 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 2 | |
| Total | 56 | |
Click here for a list of members of this chamber.
Republicans won control of the Georgia State Senate in 2002. In2024, they won a 33-23 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Georgia Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Georgia State Senate election results: 1992-2024
| Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 | '24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 41 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 32 | 26 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 |
| Republicans | 15 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 30 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 33 |
Before 1992
Democrats had controlled the Georgia Senate since the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
House of Representatives
The Georgia House of Representatives is thelower house of the Georgia General Assembly. According to theGeorgia Constitution of 1983, this body is to comprise no fewer than 180 members elected for two-year terms.
As of the 2020 Census, Georgia state representatives represented an average of59,585 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented54,042 residents.
Current state law provides for 180 members. Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
| As of February 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Members | |
| Democratic | 79 | |
| Republican | 99 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 2 | |
| Total | 180 | |
Click here for a list of members of this chamber.
Republicans won control of the Georgia House of Representatives in 2004. In2024, they won a 100-80 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Georgia House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Georgia House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024
| Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 | '24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 128 | 114 | 106 | 102 | 105 | 106 | 86 | 74 | 75 | 66 | 60 | 59 | 62 | 74 | 76 | 79 | 80 |
| Republicans | 52 | 66 | 74 | 78 | 74 | 73 | 94 | 106 | 105 | 113 | 119 | 120 | 118 | 106 | 103 | 101 | 100 |
Before 1992
Democrats had controlled the Georgia House since the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Elections
2026
Elections for theGeorgia State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isMay 19, 2026, and the primary runoff isJune 16, 2026. The general election runoff is December 1, 2026. The filing deadline isMarch 6, 2026.
Elections for theGeorgia House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isMay 19, 2026, and the primary runoff isJune 16, 2026. The general election runoff is December 1, 2026. The filing deadline isMarch 6, 2026.
2024
Elections for theGeorgia State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasMay 21, 2024, and the primary runoff wasJune 18, 2024. The general runoff wasDecember 3, 2024. The filing deadline wasMarch 8, 2024.
Elections for theGeorgia House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasMay 21, 2024, and the primary runoff wasJune 18, 2024. The general runoff wasDecember 3, 2024. The filing deadline wasMarch 8, 2024.
2022
Elections for theGeorgia State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 24, 2022, and a primary runoff was scheduled for June 21, 2022. A general runoff election was scheduled for December 6, 2022. The filing deadline was March 11, 2022.
Elections for theGeorgia House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 24, 2022, and a primary runoff was scheduled for June 21, 2022. A general runoff election was scheduled for December 6, 2022. The filing deadline was March 11, 2022.
2020
Elections for the office ofGeorgia State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 9, 2020, and a primary runoff was scheduled for August 11, 2020. A runoff election was scheduled for December 1, 2020. The filing deadline was March 6, 2020.
Elections for the office ofGeorgia House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 9, 2020, and a primary runoff was scheduled for August 11, 2020. A runoff election was scheduled for December 1, 2020. The filing deadline was March 6, 2020.
2018
Elections for theGeorgia State Senate took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on May 22, 2018, and a primary runoff election took place on July 24, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. A general election runoff was scheduled for December 4, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2018.[1]
Elections for theGeorgia House of Representatives took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on May 22, 2018, and a primary runoff election took place on July 24, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. A general election runoff was scheduled for December 4, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2018.[2]
2016
Elections for theGeorgia State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on May 24, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 11, 2016.
Elections for theGeorgia House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on May 24, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 11, 2016.
2014
Elections for theGeorgia State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014, with a runoff election taking place where necessary on July 22, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 7, 2014.
Elections for theGeorgia House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014, with runoff elections taking place where necessary on July 22, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 7, 2014.
2012
Elections for the office of Georgia State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on July 31, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was May 25, 2012.
Elections for the office of Georgia House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on July 31, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was May 25, 2012.
2010
Elections for the office of Georgia State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on July 20, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 21, 2010.
Elections for the office of Georgia House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on July 20, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 21, 2010.
Sessions
Section 4 of Article III of the Georgia Constitution establishes when the General Assembly is to meet in regular session. The General Assembly must convene annually by the second Monday in January, and its sessions can last for only forty legislative days.[3] Prefiling begins November 15 and runs until the start of the session.
2025
In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2025, and adjourn on April 4, 2025.
| Click [show] for past years' session dates. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
2024In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on March 28, 2024. 2023In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on March 29, 2023. 2022In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on April 4, 2022. 2021In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on March 31, 2021. 2020In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2020, and adjourn on June 26, 2020. Effect of coronavirus pandemic
Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. TheGeorgia State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 14, 2020, through June 15, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 26, 2020.[4][5] 2019In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 14, 2019, through April 2, 2019. 2018In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through March 29, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere. 2017In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through March 31, 2017. 2016In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 11 through March 24. 2015In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 2. Major issues in 2015Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included medical marijuana, driver's licenses for those with lawful alien status and another look atSen. Joshua McKoon's (R) religious freedom bill that created controversy in the last session. Medical marijuana previously stalled in the legislature after the two chambers could not agree on a bill.[6] 2014In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 13 through March 21. Major issues in 2014Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included moving up the state primary date to match the federal one, the state budget, and increases to K-12 education funding.[7] 2013In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 14 to March 29. Major issues in 2013Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included juvenile-justice reform, regulation of coin-operated video games, ethics reform, and a budget that was previously facing a $700 million deficit.[8] In 2013, the legislature passed a bill that allows licensed gun owners to carry firearms into public places, including schools, bars, churches, government buildings, and elsewhere. The bill was signed byGovernorNathan Deal (R) in April 2014.[9] On May 9, 2014, a poll commissioned byThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution showed that 59 percent of those surveyed disapproved of the law, although 57 percent ofGeorgia voters supported gun rights more generally, while 37 percent disagreed. The poll surveyed 1,012 Georgia adults.[10] 2012In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 9 through March 29. 2011In 2011, the legislature was in regular session from January 10 through April 14.GovernorNathan Deal (R) called the legislature into special session for August 15 to consider congressional and legislative redistricting plans based on the 2010 census.[11] 2010In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 11th to April 29th. |
Role in state budget
- See also:Georgia state budget and finances
Georgiaon |
The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[12]
- InJuly of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year, thegovernor sends budget instructions to state agencies.
- InSeptember, agencies submit their budget requests to the governor.
- Budget hearings are held with the public inJanuary through February.
- InJanuary, the governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature.
- The legislature adopts a budget inMarch orApril, effective for the fiscal year beginning onJuly 1. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. In turn, the legislature must pass a balanced budget, and any budget signed into law by the governor must be balanced.[12]
Georgia is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[12][13]
History
Partisan balance 1992-2013
Georgia State Senate:From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Georgia State Senate for the first 11 years and the Republicans were the majority for the second 11 years. During the final nine years of the study, Georgia was under Republicantrifectas.
Across the country, there were 541 Democratic and 517 Republican state senates from 1992 to 2013.
Georgia State House of Representatives:From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Georgia State House of Representatives for the first 13 years and the Republicans were the majority for the last nine years. During the final nine years of the study, Georgia was under Republicantrifectas.
Across the country, there were 577 Democratic and 483 Republican State Houses of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.
Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.
The chart below shows the partisan composition of theOffice of the Governor of Georgia, theGeorgia State Senate and theGeorgia House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.
.PNG)
SQLI and partisanship
- To read the full report on theState Quality of Life Index (SQLI) in PDF form, clickhere.
Georgia was one of eight states to demonstratea dramatic partisan shift in the 22 years studied. A dramatic shift was defined by a movement of 40 percent or more toward one party over the course of the study period.
The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Georgia state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. Georgia experienced two long periods of trifecta government, both Democratic and Republican, between the years 1992 and 2002 (Democratic) and again between the years 2002 and 2013 (Republican). The state’s lowest SQLI ranking occurred in 1992 (40th) under a Democratic trifecta, while its highest SQLI ranking occurred in 2007 (20th) under a Republican trifecta. Georgia experienced only two years of divided government, in 2003 and 2004, when the state house was under Democratic control. The state experienced its largest jump in the SQLI ranking between 2000 and 2001 (from 33rd to 27th) under a Democratic trifecta.
- SQLI average with Democratic trifecta: 33.27
- SQLI average with Republican trifecta: 22.75
- SQLI average with divided government: 27.00
Legislators
Salaries
| State legislative salaries, 2025[14] | |
|---|---|
| Salary | Per diem |
| $25,315.32/year | $247/day |
When sworn in
Georgia legislators assume office the second Monday in January.[15]
District maps
State Senate
State House
Veto overrides
- See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures
State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Georgia are listed below.
How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.
| Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 120 of the 180 members in theGeorgia House of Representatives and 38 of the 56 members in theGeorgia State Senate. Georgia is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto. |
How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?
| Vetoes can be overridden in a special session called by the legislature.[16] Three-fifths of members in both chambers must agree to call for a special session.[17] |
Authority:Article III, Section 5, Paragraph XIII andArticle V, Section 2, Paragraph IV of theGeorgia Constitution.
| Article III: "If two-thirds of the members to which such house is entitled vote to override the veto of the Governor, the same shall be immediately transmitted to the other house where it shall be immediately considered. Upon the vote to override the veto by two thirds of the members to which such other house is entitled, such bill or resolution shall become law." Article V: "In the event the Governor vetoes any such bill or resolution, the General Assembly may, by a two-thirds' vote, override such veto as provided in Article III of this Constitution." |
Redistricting
- See also:Redistricting in Georgia
In Georgia, both congressional and state legislative district lines are drawn by the state legislature. A simple majority in each chamber is required to approve redistricting plans, which are subject to veto by thegovernor.[18]
TheGeorgia Constitution requires that state legislative districts be contiguous. There are no similar requirements for congressional districts.[18][19]
2020
Thedistrict court's approval of remedial state legislative maps was appealed to theEleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral argument was held on January 23, 2025.[20]
Governor Kemp (R) signed revised legislative maps into law on December 8, 2023. Legislators in the Georgia House of Representatives voted 98-71 to adopt the new state legislative maps on December 5. The Georgia State Senate voted 32-23 to adopt the state legislative maps on December 1. For more information about the enacted legislative maps,click here.[21][22]
Joint committees
- See also:Public policy in Georgia
The 2013 session had one joint committee:
The 2011 session had one joint committee:
Constitutional amendments
In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.
The methods in which the Georgia Constitution can be amended:
TheGeorgia Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution— a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. Georgia requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.
Legislature
Atwo-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for theGeorgia State Legislature to place an amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 120 votes in theGeorgia House of Representatives and 38 votes in theGeorgia State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Convention
Georgia: According toParagraph IV of Article X of theGeorgia Constitution, a constitutional convention can occur in Georgia if a two-thirds majority of the members of both houses of theGeorgia General Assembly agree to hold it. That agreement does not need to be put to a vote of the people.[23]
See also
| Elections | Georgia State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑Georgia Secretary of State, "2018 Elections and voter registration calendar," accessed July 25, 2017
- ↑Georgia Secretary of State, "2018 Elections and voter registration calendar," accessed July 25, 2017
- ↑Justia, "Georgia Constitution," accessed April 21, 2015(Article III, Section 4)
- ↑Twitter, "Thomas Wheatley on March 12, 2020," accessed March 12, 2020
- ↑WALB News 10, "Latest Georgia news, sports, business and entertainment at 9:20 p.m. EDT," May 12, 2020
- ↑WRBL, "A preview of the 2015 Georgia legislative session," January 16, 2015
- ↑onlineathens.com, "Budget, education among top Georgia legislative issues," January 12, 2014
- ↑onlineathens.com, "Some win, some lose in Georgia legislative session," May 30, 2013
- ↑The Hill, "Ga. governor signs sweeping gun rights bill," April 23, 2014
- ↑Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "New AJC poll shows voters disapprove of Georgia’s new gun law," May 9, 2014
- ↑ncsl.org, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑12.012.112.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
- ↑National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
- ↑National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
- ↑Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Constitution - Article III, Section IV, Paragraph I," accessed January 23, 2024
- ↑11 Alive, "Lawmakers: No special session for veto override, please," March 31, 2016
- ↑National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
- ↑18.018.1All About Redistricting, "Georgia," accessed April 23, 2015
- ↑Georgia Constitution, "Article 3, Section 2," accessed April 23, 2015
- ↑Democracy Docket, "11th Circuit Considers Fate of Georgia Maps in High-Stakes Redistricting Case," January 21, 2025
- ↑Georgia General Assembly, "Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office - Proposed Plans," accessed December 11, 2023
- ↑Twitter, "RedistrictNet," December 7, 2023
- ↑Georgia constitutional convention provisions
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