Georgia Loses Two State Leaders In A Week

Simply 5 days into the brand new 12 months, Georgia misplaced two Democratic state leaders — Reps. Karen Bennett and Lynn Heffner — forward of the aggressive 2026 midterm season, 11 Alive reported. 

Each ladies stepped down for various causes, with Heffner submitting a proper resignation letter, citing points with rebuilding her house, 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 components of DeKalb and Gwinnett County, and District 130, masking Augusta. 

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

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

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

In her retirement letter, Bennett mentioned “serving on this capability has really been a labor of affection and one which I’ll miss,” and that she was “pleased with the work achieved by the Georgia Basic Meeting once 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 courtroom paperwork from the U.S. District Court docket in Atlanta claimed Bennett utilized for federal pandemic reduction funds itemizing two employers, the state Basic 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. 

Each departures depart the Home with 98 Republicans and 79 Democrats.

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