Former Columbia County Commissioner Gary Richardson was sworn in as the new Georgia House of Representatives District 125 representative Wednesday morning.
Richardson won the special election to fill the term of Barry Fleming, who Gov. Brian Kemp appointed to the Superior Court. The Georgia General Assembly 2024 session is set to end on Thursday, March 28.
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“It was a fantastic day,” Richardson said of being sworn in. “Friends there and just the warm welcome that I received, it was very exciting. Everyone reaching out and offering to help in any way they can, it was just a great feeling. Then getting started and getting on the floor and making those first couple of votes, it was just a great day.”
Richardson added that he went up to Altanta at the end of last week and beginning of this week to watch the different committees and learn what was happening. He has been appointed to the Public Health Committee, Public Safety and Homeland Security and Transportation.
“That’s three very good committees, so I look forward to working on those moving forward in the future,” Richardson said.
The special election isn’t the last time voters will see Richardson’s name on a ballot. He will be on the May 21 Republican primary ballot for the next two-year term for the seat. Richardson was supposed to face CJ Pearson in the May election, but on Wednesday, Pearson announced he would forgo running in the May primary to focus on the upcoming presidential election.
“Re-electing President Trump, keeping Georgia red, and fighting for America First policies in every corner of the country will be my priority through the November elections. Columbia County is my home and I’ll never stop fighting for our Columbia County values on the political stage,” Pearson said in a press release.
Richardson will now face Democratic candidate Kay Turner in the November election.
Stephanie Hill is the managing editor and covers Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
