ATLANTA (March 2, 2016) | Sen. Tommie Williams (R – Lyons) announced his retirement from the Georgia State Senate earlier today. Sen. Williams will not qualify to run for re-election for the Senate District 19 seat but will serve out the rest of his term.
In 1998, as a 42 year old business owner, Sen. Williams felt a strong calling to seek election for the Georgia State Senate. Though the odds seemed stacked against him at the time, he soon became one of the first Republican senators from southeast Georgia. During his 18 years of service, Sen. Williams has had the great honor of serving thousands of constituents in 19 counties around South Georgia. Moving through the ranks from Majority Leader to President Pro Temp, he served alongside and befriended some incredible people on both sides of the aisle.
Through the years Sen. Williams has had the great privilege of shaping much of the agenda and legislation that passed the general assembly. “We have a very well-run state and I am happy to have been a part of that,” said Sen. Williams. “Georgia is a low tax, low debt state, with the best credit rating in the nation. It has been rated as the number one state to do business.”
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle commended Sen. Williams’ work in the Senate and offered the following remarks: “Senator Tommie Williams has distinguished himself as an outstanding public servant, someone who has remained steadfast in advocating for his constituency and the people of Georgia. He has served the people of the 19th District with honor and dignity, leaving a lasting impact on this great state. While we will miss his presence in the Senate, I know his wife Stephanie and children Emma, Jack and Madison will surely enjoy having him back home full time.”
Sen. Williams released an additional statement:
“I’ve said before that I do not believe one’s time in elected office should be ongoing and I’ve probably even stayed too long myself. This state is full of bright, talented people, many of whom will hear the same strong calling that I did and many of whom should have the opportunity to represent and serve.
As I leave this chamber I first want to thank my constituents for the support and prayers they have offered me over the years. While I’ve seen significant changes made through politics, I am more impressed by the everyday constituent who makes his or her mark by helping others: teachers who encourage our youth, pastors who help develop the spiritual lives of people, social workers that deal with broken homes and volunteers that serve so many of our civic organizations. These people get little recognition, but they are the real backbone of our greatness.
I also want to thank those who’ve served on my staff. I have been blessed to have had some really hard working staff members through the years. Mostly I’m thankful for the men and women of the senate. It is not easy to do what you do, and it can be a thankless job. You come here each year inspired to give your best and you leave your families at home. Sometimes you struggle to manage a business while you are away and trying to make a difference often comes with a price. We have crafted some incredible legislation together and some even greater friendships. While we have experienced miracles and disappointments, at the end of the day, I’m proud to say that I have been a part of your lives and the lives of the great people of Georgia. Thanks for the friendships, the memories, the prayers and the support.”
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For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Ines Owens, Sr. Communications Specialist
Ines.owens@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028