Leadership Is About Doing the Work — Especially When It’s Hard

By State Representative Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville)

(452 words)

As Georgia enters the 2026 legislative session, the most important question before lawmakers is not about politics or personalities. It is about leadership - whether we are willing to confront real problems, strengthen public trust and make decisions that serve Georgians today and in the years ahead.

Having served our state as a legislator, former mayor, retired U.S. Army officer and business owner, I have learned that leadership is not measured by slogans or sound bites. It is measured by preparation, accountability and results. That belief guides my work and the three major bills I am advancing in the 2026 legislative session.

The first bill, House Bill 40, would focus on accountability and public confidence in elections. Georgians deserve clarity about who is responsible for administering elections and answering questions when concerns arise. HB 40 would restore accountability by placing responsibility where voters expect it to be and strengthening transparency in how election decisions are made. Confidence in our democratic process depends on clear lines of authority and public trust.

The second bill, House Bill 203, would address fairness and representation in statewide governance. For decades, alumni of Georgia's historically Black colleges and universities have been underrepresented on the Board of Regents despite the enormous contributions these institutions make to our state. HB 203 would correct that imbalance by expanding representation and ensuring broader perspectives are present when decisions affecting higher education are made. Inclusion strengthens institutions, and strong institutions strengthen Georgia.

The third bill, House Bill 436, would give the people of Georgia a direct voice in an issue of major public importance - the use of taxpayer dollars for private education through the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. HB 436 would provide for a statewide advisory referendum so voters can determine whether this policy should continue. When an issue carries long-term financial and educational consequences, the public deserves a say.

Taken together, these bills are not ideological statements. They are practical solutions rooted in experience and guided by a simple belief: when systems are not working as intended, leaders have an obligation to fix them.

As we approach an election year, there will be no shortage of talk. That is expected. But governing is not about rhetoric; it is about action. Georgians deserve leaders who explain their decisions, show their work and remain accountable to the people they serve.

I have always believed that leaders solve problems, not create them. That principle guided me in uniform, in city government and in the Georgia General Assembly. It continues to guide my work today.

The work of the 2026 session is about strengthening trust, improving fairness and ensuring Georgia continues moving forward with purpose and stability. This is not about politics. It is about responsibility.

Representative Floyd Griffin represents the citizens of District 149, which includes portions of Baldwin, Bibb and Jones counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Special Rules and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

###

The views expressed above and information shared are those of the author.