State Rep. Marin praised for paving the way for Latinos at the Georgia Capitol as he plans his exit

State Rep. Pedro “Pete” Marin, a Duluth Democrat who is the longest serving Latino lawmaker in Georgia, announced he will not seek another term after 22 years in office. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder)

State Rep. Pedro “Pete” Marin walked into the state Capitol two decades ago as part of a trio of history-making newly elected Latino lawmakers.

Marin said he felt the weight of the moment as he, former Lilburn Republican Rep. David Casas and former Atlanta Democratic Sen. Sam Zamarripa became Georgia’s first Latino lawmakers. 

“It was a watershed moment in the history of Georgia politics,” Marin said. “No longer were Latinos going to be talked about in this building but spoken to as colleagues who can offer insight to an emerging community of parents, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, workers, dreamers and voters.”