Georgia Freedom Caucus


The Georgia Freedom Caucus is a legislative caucus of Republican members in the Georgia General Assembly that promotes ultra-conservative policies, such as spending and tax reductions, limited government power, and the promotion of a conservative social agenda critical of DEI policies, LGBT+ initiatives, and abortion. It is affiliated with the State Freedom Caucus Network, and modeled after the Freedom Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

History

The Freedom Caucus was created in December 2021 as part of the State Freedom Caucus Network's efforts to create a Freedom Caucus in all state legislatures. President of the Network, Andy Roth, said the Georgia Freedom Caucus would give conservative lawmakers "the resources and the manpower to fight back" against "special interests by the establishment in both parties". The Network provides staffing and political support to its state caucuses.
A key founding member and former Georgia Representative Phillip Singleton said Republican leadership punish "members that don't toe the line." and that the Freedom Caucus will be more willing to bring conservative legislation to the voting floor
After launching the Caucus, the group hosted a gala featuring former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

Political positions and involvement

The Caucus seeks to introduce conservative legislation, while blocking legislation. It aims to "move outcomes to the political right".

Intra-party relationship

The Freedom Caucus has a contentious relationship with more moderate House and Senate Republican Caucuses. Two founding members, Singleton and Sen. Burt Jones, claimed that the leadership of their respective chambers retaliated against them for dissenting from the party line, calling it a "culture of cancellation". The Caucus represents a more Trumpian, populist conservative compared to the traditional conservative represented by the Republican Caucuses.

Education

The Caucus wants to keep "dangerous ideology" from being taught in classrooms.

Gun control

The Caucus supported passing a constitutional carry law, which went into effect in January 2023.

Tax policy

Caucus member Sen. Colton Moore said the Caucus supports eliminating the state's income tax, calling it a "mafia rule".

Members

The Caucus does not publish its membership, but members are free to disclose their association.

Current members

  • Sen. Greg Dolezal – Chairman
  • Sen. Colton Moore
  • Rep. Charlice Byrd
  • Rep. Emory Dunahoo

    Former members

  • Sen. Brandon Beach
  • Sen. Burt Jones
  • Rep. Timothy Barr
  • Rep. Sheri Gilligan
  • Rep. Phillip Singleton