Minority Leader James Beverly, a steady voice for Democrats at the GOP-controlled state Capitol, has announced he will retire from the Georgia House of Representatives at the end of the 2024 legislative session.
The retirement of the Macon lawmaker after 14 years serving in the legislature means there will be new leadership for both chambers’ Democratic caucuses, with Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler, of Stone Mountain, announcing in February that she will also step down at the end of the year.
Beverly’s decision to step down was driven by a new business opportunity he said aligns with his interest in improving the livelihoods of people in impoverished communities.
(READ MORE: Georgia labor organizations dismayed as legislature pushes anti-union bill)
Beverly’s first sponsored legislation was designed to provide tax credits to small businesses that hire employees in low-income communities.