Georgia
State Senators:
Jon Ossoff (D)
Term Start: January 20, 2021
Full Name: Thomas Jonathan Ossoff
Date of Birth: February 16, 1987
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Jon Ossoff was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in the suburbs of Northlake. His mother, Heather Fenton, co-founded NewPower PAC, an organization dedicated to electing women to local office across Georgia. His father, Richard Ossoff, owns a specialist publishing company. Ossoff attended the Paideia School, a private school in Atlanta. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 2009. He later received a Master of Science degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics in 2013.
Personal Life: Jon Ossoff is married to Alisha Kramer, an obstetrician and gynecologist. The couple resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Ossoff is known for his dedication to public service and his efforts to bring transparency and accountability to government.
Early Career: After completing his education, Ossoff worked as a national security staffer and legislative assistant for U.S. Representative Hank Johnson from 2007 to 2012. During his tenure, he focused on defense, foreign affairs, and economic policy. Ossoff then became the managing director and CEO of Insight TWI, a London-based investigative television production company that produces documentaries on corruption, war crimes, and other global issues.
Political Career:
- 2017 U.S. House Campaign: In 2017, Ossoff ran in a highly publicized special election for Georgia’s 6th congressional district, a traditionally Republican stronghold. Although he led in the first round of voting, he ultimately lost in the runoff to Republican Karen Handel. Despite the loss, the campaign brought national attention to Ossoff and highlighted his potential as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
- U.S. Senate: In 2020, Ossoff ran for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue. The race was part of the closely watched Georgia Senate elections that would determine control of the Senate. Ossoff won the runoff election on January 5, 2021, becoming the youngest Democratic senator elected since Joe Biden in 1973. He took office on January 20, 2021. As a senator, Ossoff has focused on issues such as healthcare, economic relief, voting rights, and environmental protection.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Committee on Rules and Administration
- Committee on the Judiciary
- Joint Committee on the Library
- Select Committee on Intelligence
Legislative Achievements:
- Economic Development: Ossoff focuses on policies that promote economic growth and job creation. He supports investments in infrastructure, small business development, and measures to address income inequality.
- Healthcare: Ossoff advocates for expanding access to affordable healthcare. He supports strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reducing prescription drug costs, and improving healthcare services in rural areas.
- Civil Rights: Ossoff is a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. He supports legislation to address systemic racism, protect voting rights, and promote LGBTQ+ rights.
- Environmental Protection: Ossoff supports aggressive measures to combat climate change. He advocates for investment in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting natural resources.
- National Security: As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Ossoff focuses on enhancing national security, improving cybersecurity, and protecting the U.S. from foreign threats.
Senator Ossoff’s career is marked by his dedication to bipartisanship, investigative journalism background, and a focus on addressing both local and national issues effectively
Committees
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.
Judiciary: The Judiciary Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.
Joint Committee on Intelligence:
Rules and Administration: Committee ensures that the Senate functions smoothly and efficiently by overseeing its rules, administration, elections, and public access
Joint Committee on the Library: Committee oversees various functions and operations related to the Library of Congress, the principal research arm of the legislative branch.
Voting patterns
Senator Ossoff has a voting record that reflects his commitment to progressive values, economic development, and environmental protection.
Key Voting Patterns:
1. Environmental protection: Ossoff has a strong pro-environment voting record, earning high scores from environmental organizations like the League of Conservation Voters. He has supported legislation to protect clean air and water, combat climate change, and promote clean energy. For example, he voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes significant investments in climate change mitigation and clean energy initiatives.
2. Economic Development and Infrastructure: Ossoff has supported significant infrastructure and economic development initiatives. He voted in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which funds new infrastructure projects, including bridge repair, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission. He has also been active in securing federal funds to boost Georgia’s economy, particularly in advanced manufacturing and job creation.
3. Healthcare and Social Issues: Ossoff is a proponent of expanding healthcare access and affordability. He supported the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, including funding for vaccinations, school reopenings, and direct relief payments to individuals. Additionally, he has focused on improving mental health services and veterans’ healthcare
4. Justice and Democracy: Ossoff has been active in promoting voting rights and justice reforms. He has co-sponsored and supported legislation to protect voting rights, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and to reform the criminal justice system. His voting record also includes support for the confirmation of judicial nominees who align with his commitment to civil rights and justice.
Overall, Senator Ossoff’s voting patterns demonstrate his dedication to progressive policies, environmental sustainability, economic development, healthcare access, and justice reforms.
Full Name: Raphael Gamaliel Warnock
Date of Birth: July 23, 1969
Birthplace: Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Raphael Warnock was born in Savannah, Georgia, and is the 11th of 12 children. He grew up in public housing in Savannah and was greatly influenced by his parents’ faith and work ethic. His father was a veteran and small businessman, while his mother worked as a pastor. Warnock graduated from Sol C. Johnson High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Morehouse College in 1991. He later earned a Master of Divinity, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Union Theological Seminary, a school affiliated with Columbia University.
Personal Life: Raphael Warnock is married to Oulèye Ndoye, with whom he has two children. The family resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Warnock’s life and career have been marked by his commitment to faith, social justice, and public service, continuing the legacy of the civil rights leaders who preceded him at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Early Career: Warnock began his career in ministry, serving as a youth pastor and then as an assistant pastor. In 2005, he became the senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, the former pulpit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under his leadership, the church has continued its legacy of social activism and community service.
Raphael Warnock (D)
Term Start: January 20, 2021
Political Career:
- U.S. Senate: In 2020, Warnock ran for the U.S. Senate in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Senator Johnny Isakson. The race was highly competitive and drew national attention as part of the two Georgia Senate elections that would determine control of the Senate. Warnock won the runoff election on January 5, 2021, becoming the first African American to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate. He took office on January 20, 2021. As a senator, Warnock has focused on issues such as healthcare, economic relief, voting rights, and social justice.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Special Committee on Aging
Legislative Achievements:
- Healthcare: Warnock is a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable healthcare. He supports strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reducing prescription drug costs, and expanding Medicaid in Georgia.
- Voting Rights: Warnock has been a vocal advocate for voting rights and electoral reform. He supports legislation to protect voting rights, combat voter suppression, and ensure fair and accessible elections.
- Economic Justice: Warnock focuses on policies that address income inequality and promote economic justice. He supports raising the minimum wage, expanding access to affordable housing, and providing financial relief to struggling families.
- Criminal Justice Reform: Warnock advocates for comprehensive criminal justice reform. He supports measures to address mass incarceration, promote rehabilitation and reentry programs, and end discriminatory practices within the criminal justice system.
- Environmental Protection: Warnock supports aggressive action to combat climate change and protect the environment. He advocates for investment in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmental justice.
Senator Warnock’s career is marked by his dedication to social justice, healthcare reform, and economic development, with a significant influence from his background in ministry and activism
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters
Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.
Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.
Voting patterns
Senator Warnock has a voting record that aligns with his progressive values, focusing on social justice, economic development, healthcare, and environmental protection.
Key Voting Patterns:
- Economic Development: Senator Warnock has been a strong advocate for economic growth and job creation. He secured significant investments for Georgia in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending package, which includes funding for community economic development, support for small businesses, and initiatives to help minority-owned businesses. This includes $1.18 billion to support small businesses and $68.25 million for the Minority Business Development Agency to help minority-owned businesses grow and succeed.
- Healthcare and Social Services: Warnock has prioritized healthcare access and affordability. He supported the American Rescue Plan, which provided economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also secured $1 billion in new investments for child care and Head Start programs to ensure working families can afford quality child care. Additionally, he advocated for $121 billion in VA medical care funding to provide essential health services for veterans, including mental health services and suicide prevention outreach.
- Environmental Protection: Warnock has supported various environmental initiatives aimed at combating climate change and promoting clean energy. He voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes substantial investments in climate change mitigation and clean energy projects
- Justice and Voting Rights: Warnock has been a vocal advocate for voting rights and justice reforms. He co-sponsored and supported legislation to protect voting rights, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and has worked on criminal justice reform to support reintegration programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
- National Security: Warnock has voted for measures to strengthen national security, including funding to support military families and servicemembers. He supported a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers and additional funding for military housing and family support programs
Senator Warnock’s voting patterns reflect his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through investments in economic development, healthcare, social justice, and environmental sustainability. His legislative actions are focused on creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all Georgians.