Canton, Ga.- Georgia State Representative Mandi ballinger has died after a long battle with cancer, Governor Brian Kemp announced Sunday. She was 52.
Ballinger represented Georgia’s 23rd District, encompassing Canton, and served as Chair of the House Judiciary Juvenile Committee. Her passing marks a loss for the Georgia legislature and the communities she served, notably in the areas of juvenile justice and advocacy for children and survivors of domestic violence.
Speaker of the House Jon Burns described Ballinger as a ”fierce advocate” for thes groups. “While her leadership and impact extended far beyond the walls of the Capitol, Chairlady Ballinger will be greatly missed by each of us who had the profound honor of serving alongside her, and all those who knew and loved her,” Burns said.
Governor Kemp offered condolences to Ballinger’s family, calling her a “passionate leader who was respected across the political aisle as an advocate for justice.”
Ballinger is survived by her husband,State Court Judge allen Morris,and their son,Henry.
She was also known for her role in passing campus carry legislation in 2017, introducing the final bill that allowed individuals with carry permits to bring firearms onto college campuses – a measure that followed earlier vetoed versions.
Data for this article came from Gov.Kemp, Speaker burns, and the Georgia House of Representatives website.
