Rep. Mary Ann Santos Named 2026 Legislative Champion by Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

ATLANTA - State Representative Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough) has been named a 2026 Legislative Champion by the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV). The honor seeks to recognize Rep. Santos' commitment to protecting victims and advancing policy that addresses domestic violence across Georgia.

"This recognition belongs to the survivors who found the courage to speak up-and to those we have lost who deserved so much more," said Rep. Santos. "Officer Paramhans Desai stood with them until his last breath. The greatest way we can honor them all is to ensure that their lives lead to change."

During the 2025-2026 legislative session, Rep. Santos worked alongside GCADV and the Desai family in support of HB 1312, the Desai Safety Act-named in honor of Henry County Police Officer Paramhans Desai, who was killed in McDonough on November 4, 2021, while responding to a domestic violence call.

Rep. Santos emphasizes that she will continue to stand with survivors and all who support ending domestic violence.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, call Georgia's 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-334-2836.

Rep. Santos also provides the Spanish translation of her press release below:

ATLANTA - La Representante Estatal Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough) ha sido nombrada Campeona Legislativa 2026 por la Coalición de Georgia Contra la Violencia Doméstica (GCADV). El reconocimiento busca honrar el compromiso de la Rep. Santos con la protección de las víctimas y el avance de políticas que abordan la violencia doméstica en todo Georgia.

"Este reconocimiento les pertenece a los sobrevivientes que encontraron el valor de alzar la voz, y a quienes hemos perdido y que merecían mucho más", dijo la Rep. Santos. "El Oficial Paramhans Desai estuvo a su lado hasta su último aliento. La mejor manera de honrarlos a todos es asegurarnos de que sus vidas conduzcan al cambio."

Durante la sesión legislativa 2025-2026, la Rep. Santos trabajó junto a GCADV y la familia Desai en apoyo del HB 1312, la Ley de Seguridad Desai, nombrada en honor al Oficial de Policía del Condado de Henry, Paramhans Desai, quien fue asesinado en McDonough el 4 de noviembre de 2021 mientras respondía a una llamada por violencia doméstica.

La Rep. Santos enfatiza que continuará apoyando a los sobrevivientes y a todos quienes respaldan el fin de la violencia doméstica.

*Editor's note: Rep. Santos includes a photo.

Representative Mary Ann Santos represents the citizens of District 117, which includes a portion of Henry County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Judiciary, Juvenile and State Properties committees.

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