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April 24, 2026

Lanny Thomas Sworn In To Serve Georgia Senate District 53

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Lanny Thomas was officially sworn in Thursday to serve in the Georgia State Senate representing District 53.

Thomas called it a special day for his family and for Northwest Georgia, saying it is an honor he does not take lightly.

In a statement following the ceremony, Thomas said District 53 now has strong leadership and a voice at the Capitol. He thanked supporters, family, and friends who joined him in Atlanta, and said he is ready to represent all residents, including families, workers, small businesses, and local communities.

Thomas also reminded voters that another election is coming up on May 19th, encouraging residents to make a plan to vote as he seeks to continue serving in the next term.

He said the goal moving forward is to keep Northwest Georgia moving forward together.

April 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

State Senator Highlights Major Literacy Investment Following 2026 Session

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As the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up its 2026 regular session last week, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome is pointing to early childhood literacy as one of the most important issues addressed by lawmakers.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Zibluk Congratulates Thomas After State Senate Runoff

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Democratic candidate Jack Zibluk has congratulated Republican Lanny Thomas following Tuesday night’s runoff in Georgia’s 53rd State Senate District.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk Suspends Campaign

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Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk has announced he is suspending campaign activities following the recent medical emergency involving his opponent, Republican candidate Lanny Thomas.

March 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia State Senator Resigns To Focus On Lieutenant Governor Campaign

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A Georgia state senator has stepped down from office to focus on her campaign for lieutenant governor.

Democratic Sen. Nabilah Parkes, who represented part of Gwinnett County, announced her resignation in a public statement Friday. Parkes first launched a campaign for Georgia insurance and fire safety commissioner in January before shifting to the lieutenant governor’s race on March 5.

Parkes now joins state Sen. Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs and Richard Wright in the Democratic field for lieutenant governor. In her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, Parkes sharply criticized the Georgia Legislature, calling it “a place where good ideas go to die and where extremists continue to attack our freedoms.” Georgia’s primary election is scheduled for May 19.

March 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hufstetler Pushes Housing Bills Aimed at Lowering Costs for Georgia Families

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State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, says rising housing costs are one of the biggest threats facing Georgia families and argues that lawmakers must act to protect homeownership opportunities across the state.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Thomas, Zibluk Advance to Runoff in Georgia State Senate District 53 Race

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Former Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas, a Republican, and John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk, a Democrat, are headed to an April 7 runoff election in the race for Georgia State Senate District 53 after no candidate won a majority in Tuesday’s special election.

March 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Voters Head to the Polls Tuesday in Two Special Elections

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Voters in Chattooga County will head to the polls Tuesday to take part in two important special elections, one for Georgia State Senate District 53 and another for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. Both races were triggered by recent political changes and will determine who fills the remaining terms in those seats.

March 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Proposed Senate Bill Could Halt Chattooga County PFAS Lawsuit and Others Across Georgia

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The Finley Law Firm — which represents Chattooga County in PFAS-related litigation — is warning that a proposed bill in the Georgia Senate could effectively end the county’s case and shut down similar lawsuits filed by local governments across the state seeking cleanup costs for “forever chemical” contamination.

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

“Rio’s Law” Would Create Voluntary Autism Awareness License Plate and Expand Police Training in Georgia

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Georgia lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 433, known as “Rio’s Law,” which would create a new voluntary specialty license plate for drivers and families affected by autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities.