ATLANTA – State Representatives Ellis Black and Amy Carter today announced that they are joining the House Republican Caucus and resigning from the House Democratic Caucus.
“This is where I belong,” said Rep. Black. “When I was first elected, we had conservative Democrats in the leadership of the Democratic Party; today, there are none. I have a ten-year record of voting the thinking of my constituents, and I believe I can best serve my constituents as a Republican.”
“I am excited about this transition,” said Rep. Carter. “Many changes were brought about by our last election, and I feel that I can best represent my district as a member of the Republican Party. My record shows that I have always maintained an independent mindset, and I will continue to reach across party lines for solutions that will benefit my constituents.”
With today’s announcements, the Georgia House of Representatives now consists of 113 Republicans, 66 Democrats, and one independent.
“I am very pleased to welcome both Rep. Ellis Black and Rep. Amy Carter to the House Republican Caucus,” said House Speaker David Ralston. “These are outstanding Georgia leaders who have chosen to put the interests of their districts ahead of party. They have rightly decided that the interests of rural Georgia can best be served by joining the Republican Party. I look forward to working with them closely as we prepare for the challenges of the next legislative session.”
Representative Ellis Black represents the citizens of District 174, which includes Brooks and Echols counties, and portions of Lowndes and Thomas counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2000 and currently serves on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Ways & Means committees.
Representative Amy Carter represents the citizens of District 175, which includes portions of Lowndes County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and is currently the Secretary of Higher Education. She also serves on the Appropriations, Education, and Small Business Development & Jobs Creation committees.
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