Dr. James Beverly, the Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, has announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the 2024 Legislative Session, which concludes on March 28. Furthermore, Beverly, a Democrat from Macon, has confirmed that he will not seek re-election. Serving as the representative for the 143rd District since his election in 2013, Beverly has also held the position of Minority Leader for the past four years. However, due to redistricting during the special session in December 2023, Beverly’s district has significantly contracted.
During an exclusive conversation with The Atlanta Voice, Beverly explained that 50% of her district is new within a new county, Houston County. This means that she has to personally visit Houston County to meet people, shake hands, and hold town hall meetings to establish connections and gain support. It is a challenge for her to be elected in a space where she doesn’t know anyone, especially considering that no Democrat has represented that district for the past sixty years.
Beverly, the leader of the House Democrats, took a pragmatic approach to leading the party. Recognizing that they were in the minority, he believed that making incremental progress was more effective than taking an aggressive stance. However, with the shifting demographics in Georgia towards a more progressive-minded electorate, the Georgia Democrats were able to gain additional seats. In response, Beverly has noticed that Georgia Republicans have been adopting some of their policy ideas.
“But every year I’ve been in leadership, we have gained seats,” Beverly explained. “That’s the first thing. This year, they adopted our agenda. We talked about maternal mortality, and now they’ve created a commission for it. We discussed gun safety, and they implemented gun safety boxes. Medicaid has been a significant topic for Republicans this year, more than ever before. They’re actually talking about it. Lastly, we’re focusing on reproductive freedom and housing. We just secured a housing tax credit. So, all the initiatives we introduced are now progressing in a way that will benefit Georgians. Democrats have strategically positioned themselves, and I believe the public will start questioning the opposition’s actions. This will work in our favor in the long run.”
Beverly, on the other hand, reflected on his motivations for running for office initially. His main goal was to tackle poverty within his district. Although his first bill did not gain traction, he found success with his second bill. As time went on, Beverly was able to make an even greater impact in Macon through his involvement in multiple business ventures. This realization led him to describe this moment as a pause, as he recognizes the opportunities ahead.
In the Black community and poor neighborhoods, there are five essential things that are often lacking: a bank, a grocery store, a doctor’s office, an after-school program for children, and reliable transportation. Beverly believes that by bringing together resources and implementing them in these communities, it is possible to assess the impact and make positive changes.
“The second bill I played a role in was the establishment of the Macon-Bibb Community Enhancement Authority. Its primary objective is to reduce the size of poverty-stricken areas classified as Category Four. This bill successfully passed around eight years ago.”
The bill has played a crucial role in facilitating the ongoing extensive construction projects along Interstates 16 and 75 in Bibb County. It includes provisions that mandate a minimum wage of $15 per hour, as well as opportunities for individuals to acquire skills in construction and technical fields. Interestingly, Beverly is the owner of a small shipping company, which could potentially be involved in the home-building process.
According to Beverly, she has the ability to construct a 1,500 square foot house within a span of 15 days or even less. She finds the process intriguing, as it involves the fast-paced nature of the market and the utilization of efficient techniques and top-notch materials. However, what truly captivates her is the opportunity to establish a skilled workforce within this industry and propel it forward.
As we near the end of this chapter, Beverly doesn’t see this move as a retirement. He hasn’t dismissed the possibility of re-entering politics, perhaps as an advisor in 2026 or even running for a statewide office. Nevertheless, he feels content with his decision. When Beverly first ran for office, becoming the Leader was never part of his plan. However, having gained a deep understanding of how the inner workings of government operate, he believes that this experience will greatly benefit him in the next phase of his life.
Beverly confidently stated, “Having accumulated a wealth of knowledge and insights about this realm, I am well-equipped to navigate its intricacies.” Looking ahead to the future, she added, “In two years’ time, we will witness the outcome. I am open to the possibility of running for a statewide position or providing assistance to a candidate seeking such an office. This endeavor will be approached with a level-headed mindset, devoid of the current pressures I face.”
