ATLANTA, GA - Today, Democratic state legislators announced the formation of Georgia’s Progressive Caucus, one of a handful of similar caucuses across the nation and the South's second progressive caucus, following the Texas Progressive Caucus. The caucus launches at a critical moment when families across Georgia are facing stagnant wages, housing shortages, healthcare loss, an immigration crisis, and a status quo that has failed to deliver on their basic needs. The Georgia Progressive Caucus is a coalition of Democratic state legislators committed to delivering bold, progressive, systemic change in the state to make a critical difference in people’s day-to-day lives. Members say the caucus will serve as an organized force in the Capitol to deliver on policy positions, including increased affordability, housing for all, universal healthcare, HOPE for all our students, climate action, and the protection of human rights of all Georgians, including our most vulnerable communities.

“People across Georgia are demanding bold, systemic change, not just politics as usual. We need leadership that meets the moment,” explained Caucus co-Chair, Rep. Gabriel Sanchez (D- 42).

“The Progressive Caucus is a positive force focused on solutions that put working people first. Together, we’re creating a vision of a Georgia where our government represents all of us, not just those at the top. That means working-class families who keep this state running can afford to live here, raise their children, and thrive in their communities.” State Representative Mekyah McQueen (D-61), who also serves as the Caucus Co-Chair, explained, “The Progressive Caucus was formed to pursue transformational change, not small adjustments around the edges. We believe progress requires courage to meet the scale of challenges Georgians face. We are here to move beyond modest reforms toward root cause solutions that deliver real and lasting impact.”

Members of Georgia’s Progressive Caucus include State Senators Josh McLaurin (D-14) and Kim Jackson (D-41) and State Representatives Gabriel Sanchez (D-42), Ruwa Romman (D-97), Anne Allen Westbrook (D-163), Bryce Berry (D-56), El-Mahdi Holly (D-116), Eric Bell (D-75), Mekyah McQueen (D-61), Spencer Frye (D-122), Park Cannon (D- 58), Akbar Ali (D-106), and Viola Davis (D-87). Members represent diverse communities across Georgia who have come together to call for sweeping solutions to the state's most urgent crises. State Senator Kim Jackson (D-41) explained, “Working families are the backbone of Georgia. Every legislative session, too many harmful bills leave working families behind, while too many good bills never receive the support and backing they need. It’s time we take the necessary steps to build power while organizing ourselves to fight for Georgians effectively. I’m honored to join my colleagues in launching the Georgia Progressive Caucus as we continue to fight for bold, necessary changes in Georgia that can guarantee a higher standard of living for all Georgians.” More information on the Progressive Caucus can be found at gaprogressives.org. Comments from members are available upon request by emailing press@gaprogressives.org