Two of Athens’ members in the Georgia House of Representatives were elected to leadership positions last week. Rep. Spencer Frye will serve as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, while Rep. Houston Gaines will hold the same position for House Republicans.
Gaines, entering his fourth term, has served as the GOP caucus vice chair since 2022. But Frye is a newcomer to the position after a shakeup among House Dems. Former minority leader James Beverly declined to run for re-election to his House seat under a cloud of sexual assault allegations, and House Democrats elected Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) as their new leader Nov. 14.
“It is an honor to have been elected to the position of Democratic Caucus Vice-Chair, and I look forward to serving alongside Chair [Tanya] Miller and our entire leadership team,” Frye said in a news release. “The upcoming legislative term is pivotal in protecting the rights of our citizens. While we fought a great fight in our previous legislative term, we have much work to do in ensuring we win on legislation that defends our constituents’ rights and upholds our values. I am eager for our caucus’ return to the Capitol this winter.”
Hugley takes over after a disappointing election when Democrats flipped just two House seats, bringing their total to 80 out of 180. Many Democrats are clearly disenchanted with party leadership: Three candidates for Athens-area House seats signed onto a letter calling for Democratic Party of Georgia chair Nikema Williams’ resignation, saying she was too busy running for re-election to her safe Atlanta-based seat in Congress to help down-ballot candidates in rural areas.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
