InTucker Magazine

The Tucker Delegation

For its relative size, the City of Tucker is fortunate to be represented in the Georgia General Assembly by five state representatives and three state senators. Brief bios, contact information and observations from each Tucker delegation member are below:

Representative Imani Barnes is working on her PhD in public health while also working as a biomedical research scientist, youth development coach, parent and community advocate. Serving District 86, Representative Barnes recognizes the need for inclusion at the Capitol that reflects the interests of the diverse families, businesses, and underserved populations in the district.

Recently the Future Caucus, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to activating Gen Z and millennial policymakers, recently honored Rep. Barnes with the 2025 Rising Star Award.

Looking ahead to 2026, Rep. Barnes shared these comments below:

“My priorities this coming session are to advance legislation that strengthens public health, education, and community safety across DeKalb County and the state. This includes improving access to mental and behavioral health resources, ensuring safe crisis transport for individuals in distress, expanding support for early childhood development and maternal health, and investing in workforce pathways that help families achieve economic stability.

In addition, I am focused on protecting our senior population through stronger housing protections that allow older adults to age safely and affordably in their communities. I also remain committed to my ongoing effort to codify free school meals for all Georgia students, because no child should ever have to learn on an empty stomach. My work this session continues to be guided by one principle, that healthy, safe, and supported communities lead to a stronger Georgia.”

“The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is the opportunity to continue shaping Tucker as a model of collaboration between residents, small businesses, and local and state government. Tucker’s strong community pride and spirit of service give us a unique foundation to grow responsibly. By focusing on inclusive economic development, infrastructure development, support for our schools, and policies that prioritize public safety and housing stability, we can ensure Tucker remains one of DeKalb County’s most connected and forward-thinking communities for generations to come.”

“If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is to stay engaged and communicate directly with your representatives. I encourage citizens to call, email, or meet with me and other legislators to share their perspectives on pending bills and community issues. Residents can also visit the Capitol during session, submit testimony during committee hearings, and follow legislation through the Georgia General Assembly website. Democracy only works when the people are involved, and your voice is essential to shaping Georgia’s future.”

Contact info: 507-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg., Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 656-0202, Email: imani.barnes@house.ga.gov

Representative Viola Davis was sworn into office as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives in 2019 and she represents the citizens of House District 87. She serves on the House Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment, and Urban Affairs committees. A former officer in the U.S. Army, she is an honor graduate of the Medical College of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing with over 23 years’ experience.

Rep. Davis shared her perspectives on the upcoming legislative session
below:

“My priorities this coming session are to focus on transportation, education, housing and homelessness, and economic development and environmental justice. The City of Tucker has several issues involving transportation that will affect property owners, county, and city governments. I will focus on keeping the “employers of this government”, yes, the taxpayers and voters informed and updated on transportation issues. I will draft legislation to improve the funding of transportation. With the serious issue involving the DeKalb County School System, I have several pieces of legislation that will address the issue of the Superintendent and school funding.

I have a long history of attempting to protect the “American Dream of Homeownership”. I have legislation that will remove corporate owned purchases from the assessment process that falsely elevated home prices because corporation buy sight unseen; I have drafted several pieces of legislation to address abusive HOA, POA, and Condo Assoc.; I have met with county and city elected officials of the issue of homelessness and the best method to decrease the numbers. I have drafted legislation to address underserved and under-resourced areas.

On the issues of economic development and environmental justice, I have drafted legislation that will address the fact that over 4.3 million people were “ineligible” to assess billions in funding within the state of Georgia. I have drafted legislation to urge a serious approach to addressing the water issues in DeKalb County.”

“The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is to enhance the overall quality of life and enticing economic development within the city. The growth of the city has been impressive. I make every effort to keep open and active communication with the city to push a unified front to provide the best for the citizens. By local, state, and federal working together, we are better able to maximize the delivery to our constituents.”

3. “If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is to show that they are the “Employers” of this nonprofit, public business called government. I have pushed this fact for over thirty years. I take pride in serving as an “employee” of the people, “We the People.” As a veteran, I served to defend the Constitution of the United States. I have drafted legislation to show that elected officials must serve the people and the Constitution.”

Contact info: 404-D Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg., Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 656-0109, Email: viola.davis@house.ga.gov

Representative Karla Drenner has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2001. Rep. Drenner represents House District 85 and sits on six legislative committees, including the Rules, Public Health, Natural Resources & Environment, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Small Business Development, and Urban Affairs committees. An educator who holds two PhDs, she also serves as the chair of the DeKalb County House of Representatives legislative delegation.

Rep. Drenner’s thoughts going into the 2026 Session are below:

“My priorities this coming session are to strengthen Georgia’s investment in education and infrastructure while ensuring our energy future is sustainable, resilient, and equitable. I will focus on policies that protect our environment, provide stronger oversight of large-scale data center development, and expand clean energy opportunities that benefit both our schools and local communities.”

“The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is to build on its tradition of civic engagement and thoughtful growth by leading the way in responsible development. As data centers and new industries expand, Tucker can model how economic progress, environmental protection, and educational excellence can work hand in hand.”

“If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is to reach out directly to their elected officials, attend delegation meetings, and participate in public hearings. Consistent, informed, and respectful engagement truly shapes the decisions that affect our schools, environment, and quality of life.”

Contact info: 507-H Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 656-0202, Email: karla.drenner@house.ga.gov

Representative Scott Holcomb represents District 101 in the Georgia House of Representatives and serves on the following committees: Rules, Appropriations, Judiciary, Ways & Means, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Higher Education, Juvenile Justice, and Technology & Infrastructure Innovation.

In the legislature, Rep. Holcomb has been a passionate advocate for reforming the state’s laws and policies concerning sexual assault. He also championed legislation that allows victims of domestic violence to break their leases without an early termination penalty.

Following his military service in both the Air National Guard and as an officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, Rep. Holcomb founded a law firm Holcomb + Ward, LLP, a diverse practice that includes securities arbitrations, regulatory matters, and complex litigation.

Rep. Holcomb shared these thoughts for the New Year.

1. “My priorities this coming session are economic growth, education, and health care.”
2. “The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is to continue to develop as a terrific place to live, work, and play.”
3. “If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is to call, email, or stop by. If calling or emailing, please leave your name and home address. That helps us to know when constituents are calling and we try our best to get back to you in a timely manner.”

Contact info: 511-I Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 656-6372, Email: scott.holcomb@house.ga.gov

Representative Billy Mitchell serves in House District 88, and he has the distinction of sponsoring the legislation to create the City of Tucker. Rep. Mitchell sits on the House Appropriations, Banks & Banking, Health, Regulated Industries, and Urban Affairs committees. Rising from his service as a city councilmember and mayor pro tem in the historic City of Stone Mountain, Rep. Mitchell was elected to be the President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. He has received numerous accolades in his 20-plus years in the General Assembly including being awarded the Georgia Municipal Association’s “Champion for Georgia Cities” legislative service award, and the DeKalb NAACP Pat Jones community service award. Below are Rep. Mitchell’s ideas for the Tucker community:

“My priorities this coming session are 1) Making certain that students get the skills and support needed for careers and that Georgia’s workforce meets industry demands. 2) Addressing quality of life issues so that growth is sustainable. 3) As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I want to ensure accountability, transparency and fairness. 4) Local government dynamics (i.e., City/County/School Board), will continue to be important.

“The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is Leveraging the City’s strategic location and recent planning momentum to transform key corridors and downtown into a vibrant, mixed-use, connected community building housing variety, activating public spaces and attracting target industries thereby elevating both economic development and quality of life. As the State Representative for most of Tucker, I’m looking forward to assisting in that effort!

“If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is a mix of direct engagement, organized advocacy and public testimony, much like the community did in concert with my efforts in sponsoring the legislation that created the City of Tucker. My email address is billy.mitchell@house.ga.gov and phone number is 404-656-0287. I would love to hear from you!

Contact info: 607-D Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 656-0287, Email: billy.mitchell@house.ga.gov

Senator Sally Harrell was first elected to the Georgia Senate in 2018 to serve the 40th Senate District. She serves on the Senate Government Oversight, Health and Human Services, Higher Education, and State Institutions and Property committees. A champion of women and family issues, she currently serves as the Senate Co-Chair of the Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus and Vice Chair of both the Dekalb Delegation and the Working Families Caucus. Sen. Harrell was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005, and prior to serving in the Legislature, Sen. Harrell was the Executive Director of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia.

Senator Harrell shared the following comments:

“My priorities for the coming session are to: 1) tackle on-line safety for our kids, ensuring digital companies are accountable for the products they design for our children, as well as making sure AI/technology in classrooms does not hinder student learning; 2) fight for the basic healthcare needs of all Georgia residents; and 3) continue to fight to lower the cost of higher education including technical education.

“The greatest opportunity for the Greater Tucker community in the coming years is to 1) ensure that all residents have access to adequate housing options 2) continuing to create a sense of community and ‘place.’”

“If citizens want to make their voices heard at the State Capitol, the best way to do that is: 1) to visit us! The Georgia Capitol is unique in that you can page us out of the Senate chamber and we will come speak to you personally! If you can’t make it to the Capitol, drop us a note on a postcard. Postcards end up on our desks and are easy to read. I enjoy getting them.”

Contact info: 110-D State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 463-2260, Email: sally.harrell@senate.ga.gov

Senator Kim Jackson has represented Tucker since she was elected in 2020, and she serves on the Senate Appropriations, Children and Families, Ethics, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Public Safety, and Rules committees. Senator Jackson serves as the Senate Minority Whip, the second-highest position in the Democratic Caucus.

After earning a master’s degree in divinity, she became an Episcopal priest upon completing her graduate program. Since then, Sen. Jackson has spent a decade serving in various capacities in the Episcopal Church, with her current service as the Vicar at the Episcopal Church of the Common Ground in Atlanta, where she has worked extensively to aid people experiencing homelessness in downtown Atlanta.

Going into the New Year, Senator Jackson shared her ideas as follows:

“My priorities this coming session are to protect those caught in our housing crisis, pass protections for victims of gun violence, and continue to fight for the LGBTQ community.”

“The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is making your voice heard at the ballot box in 2026. Every resident of Georgia has the power to make change through their vote, and 2026 is a pivotal moment in history that we need everyone to participate in.”

“If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is to come to the Capitol. My office is always open (just email my Chief of Staff that you want to come!), my staff will show you around the Capitol and teach you how things work, and you will have the opportunity to “work the ropes.” The biggest way to change a lawmaker’s mind is to have a conversation with them- and that can really only happen if you come see us during session. If you can’t make it down- call legislators’ offices, bombard their emails, and amplify your priorities on social media!”

Contact info: 303-A CLOB, Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 656-6882, email: kim.jackson@senate.ga.gov

Senator Randal Mangham was sworn in to the Senate on January 13, 2025, and was appointed to serve on the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions, Health and Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Retirement, State and Local Governmental Operations, and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee (MARTOC) committees. Senator Mangham is no stranger to the legislative process, having first served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2000 until 2010, representing the 94th House District which included South DeKalb and Rockdale counties. He is the principal in the law fi rm of Randal Alonzo Mangham, LLC.

Senator Mangham offered these perspectives going into the 2026 legislative session:

“My priorities this coming session are to strengthen economic opportunities for working families, protect access to quality education, and invest in infrastructure that makes our communities safer and more connected. I’m also focused on supporting small businesses, addressing housing affordability, and ensuring that every Georgian no matter their zip code has a fair shot at success.

“The greatest opportunity for the greater Tucker community in the coming years is smart, inclusive growth. Tucker has the chance to attract new businesses, expand transit access, and revitalize its local economy while preserving the small town character that makes it special. By working together residents, entrepreneurs, and public officials can create a model for balanced growth that lifts everyone.

“If citizens want to make their voices heard at the state Capitol, the best way to do that is to stay engaged and show up. Call, email, and visit your representatives, attend committee hearings, and speak up about the issues that matter most to you. My office is always open to constituents, and I encourage everyone to reach out directly. Democracy works best when the people are informed, organized, and vocal.”

Contact info: 320-A CLOB, Atlanta, GA 30334,
Office: (404) 657-4640, email: randall.mangham@senate.ga.gov