Georgia Loses Two State Leaders In A Week

[ad_1] by Sharelle B. McNair January 6, 2026

A particular election shall be scheduled to fill each Home seats, representing District 94, together with elements of DeKalb and Gwinnett County, and District 130, overlaying Augusta.

Simply 5 days into the brand new yr, Georgia misplaced two Democratic state leaders — Reps. Karen Bennett and Lynn Heffner — forward of the aggressive 2026 midterm season, 11 Alive reported.

Each girls stepped down for various causes, with Heffner submitting a proper resignation letter, citing points with rebuilding her residence, whereas Bennett retired from the legislature on Jan. 1 after being accused of falsely receiving roughly $14,000 in unemployment funds meant for individuals who misplaced their jobs as a consequence of COVID-19.

A particular election shall be scheduled to fill each Home seats, representing District 94, together with elements of DeKalb and Gwinnett County, and District 130, overlaying Augusta.

Heffner, who has served since 2022, cited needing to concentrate on her residence after it suffered extreme structural harm by the hands of Hurricane Helene. She referred to as serving the district “one of many biggest honors of my life” and, in a press release, stated her work inside public service isn’t accomplished. “I'm deeply grateful in your management throughout a interval of great problem for Georgia, notably in guiding the state by catastrophe restoration, financial resilience, and assist for army households and veterans. It has been an honor to serve throughout your administration and to contribute, in my function, to advancing insurance policies that strengthen our communities,” Heffner wrote.

“Whereas my service in elected workplace concludes, my dedication to the folks of Georgia stays steadfast. I'll proceed to assist our state and its residents in each acceptable capability. Thanks for the chance to serve.”

The state chief stated she is dedicated to advocating for army households, veterans, underserved communities, and the aged after serving on numerous committees resembling Protection & Veterans Affairs, Financial Improvement & Tourism, and Intragovernmental Coordination, in keeping with Fox Information 54.

In her retirement letter, Bennett stated “serving on this capability has actually been a labor of affection and one which I'll miss,” and that she was “happy with the work achieved by the Georgia Normal Meeting after we got here collectively to advance insurance policies that strengthened our state and improved the lives of all Georgians.”

Days later, the state chief, who had served since 2013, was indicted after court docket paperwork from the U.S. District Court docket in Atlanta claimed Bennett utilized for federal pandemic reduction funds itemizing two employers, the state Normal Meeting and Metro Remedy, in 2020. Bennett pleaded not responsible and was launched on $10,000 bond, as she is the second state Home Democrat accused of illegally exploiting this system, following Rep. Sharon Henderson, who was arrested and charged in December 2025.