New class of Georgia state lawmakers grows more diverse

Eight of the 11 members of the Georgia Legislative Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus. (Photo courtesy State Senator Dr. Michelle Au)

Georgia’s population has been growing more diverse for decades. Now its lawmakers are catching up.

Georgia swore in 85 lawmakers on Monday who are of Hispanic, Black, Asian or Arab descent, bringing such lawmakers to 36% of the legislature once vacancies are filled in the 236-member General Assembly.

That’s an increase of eight nonwhite members from the previous two-year session. And the growth is prompting changes: For the first time, members have formed a Hispanic caucus and an Asian American Pacific Islander caucus, to go with longstanding groups for women and Black lawmakers.