To the Constituents of District 175:

As another election cycle has come and passed, I am once again honored, humbled, and deeply gratified by your decision to elect me as your state representative.  For me, there is no greater privilege than serving my community and carrying your concerns with me to Atlanta each session.  Since elected, I have worked hard to truly listen to my constituents and maintain an independent mindset. I believe my record supports my assertion that I have never allowed myself to be defined by party lines, and I do not intend to begin that now. I have always based my vote on my convictions, which are influenced by my faith, my family, and each of you.

Lately, there has been much discussion about whether or not I will resign from the Democratic Caucus.  Rumors have been running rampant about my reasoning, as well as what my ultimate decision will be. While I desired a more honorable and respectable way to inform everyone, I realize that this issue must be quickly dealt with.

After much thought and careful consideration, I am, in fact, joining the Republican Party. As with every major decision I make, I have consulted with a variety of my constituents and feel this is the best action for our district. Please know that I do not make this decision lightly. On a local level, the Democratic Party has been more gracious and supportive than I could ever express. On a state level, I still maintain the utmost respect for the new Democratic Caucus leader, Stacey Abrams. I find her to be one of the brightest and most passionate servants in our state.  All in all, I have tried to be loyal to the Democratic Caucus, but unfortunately, it has taken a direction that I do not believe is in the best interest of South Georgia. As a conservative, it has become difficult to identify with the party’s needs, which have taken a more liberal route. In addition, there are currently 68 Democrats in our House of Representatives, and only 10 of these are south of Macon and Columbus.  It is quite apparent that the party has become greatly disconnected from South Georgia and its needs.  With that said, I realize that the absolute best transition I can make for South Georgia is to join the Republican Party.

I have been fortunate to build very strong relationships with the leadership within the House of Representatives.  Speaker David Ralston is a man that I greatly respect, and I am fully confident that he will work with me to ensure that Lowndes County is taken care of in Atlanta. Speaker Ralston is very much a man of integrity who never fails to maintain regard for all members of the General Assembly.  Above all, he is a visionary man who inspires me to dig deeper and take chances, all for the sake of bettering this state.  So, while this decision was certainly a challenging one to make, I am also excited by this opportunity. I see the potential that it holds for our community, and I have absolutely no doubt that it will move us all forward.  

One concern expressed by those who do not desire this change is that I have taken money from the Democratic Caucus, which is false. I have never received funds from the Democratic Party itself. I have paid my dues over the last four years to the state Democratic Party in the amount of $7,300. I have also paid my share of local Democratic Party office expenses. All in all, I have always welcomed contributions from both sides of the aisle. These donations were from people, not parties.  

Each time that you have elected me, I trust that you were voting for the person and not the party.   I want you all to know that nothing will change who I am. For as long as you elect me, I will continue to listen to your desires and carefully consider each vote that I cast. I have never, and will never, base my votes or decisions on a party line. If you give me the time, you will see that I am still the Amy Carter that you elected.

This will not be the last challenge we face together. With today’s economic crisis, there will be many more difficult choices to make; however, you may rest assured that I will always take it upon myself to act in our district’s best interest. I hope that each of you will embrace my decision as we move forward to better our community and our state.  

Sincerely,

Amy A. Carter

State Representative, District 175