Georgia Freedom Caucus | |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Greg Dolezal |
| Founded | December 2021 |
| Split from | House Republican Caucus |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | |
| National affiliation | Republican Party |
TheGeorgia Freedom Caucus is a legislativecaucus ofRepublican members in theGeorgia General Assembly that promotes ultra-conservative policies, such as spending and tax reductions, limited government power, and the promotion of a conservative social agenda critical ofDEI policies,LGBT+ initiatives, andabortion. It is affiliated with theState Freedom Caucus Network, and modeled after theFreedom Caucus in theU.S. House of Representatives.[1]
The Freedom Caucus was created in December 2021 as part of the State Freedom Caucus Network's efforts to create a Freedom Caucus in allstate legislatures. President of the Network, Andy Roth, said the Georgia Freedom Caucus would give conservative lawmakers "the resources and the manpower to fight back" against "special interests by the establishment in both parties".[1] The Network provides staffing and political support to its state caucuses.[2]
A key founding member and former Georgia RepresentativePhillip Singleton said Republican leadership punish "members that don't toe the line." and that the Freedom Caucus will be more willing to bring conservative legislation to the voting floor[1][3]
After launching the Caucus, the group hosted a gala featuring formerWhite House Chief of StaffMark Meadows.[3]
The Caucus seeks to introduce conservative legislation, while blocking legislation (especially those that "increase the size and scope of government and infringes on personal liberties").[1] It aims to "move outcomes to the political right".[2]
The Freedom Caucus has a contentious relationship with more moderate House and Senate Republican Caucuses.[1] Two founding members, Singleton and Sen.Burt Jones, claimed that the leadership of their respective chambers retaliated against them for dissenting from the party line, calling it a "culture of cancellation".[1][3] The Caucus represents a more Trumpian, populist conservative compared to the traditional conservative represented by the Republican Caucuses.[3]
The Caucus wants to keep "dangerous ideology" from being taught in classrooms.[2]
The Caucus supported passing aconstitutional carry law, which went into effect in January 2023.[3][4]
Caucus member Sen.Colton Moore said the Caucus supports eliminating the state's income tax, calling it a "mafia rule".[5][3]
The Caucus does not publish its membership, but members are free to disclose their association.[1]