ATLANTA – State Representative Mike Cheokas of Americus today announced that he is joining the House Republican Caucus and resigning from the House Democratic Caucus.
“I made this decision in careful consultation with members of my community after being approached by many of them and hearing their thoughts,” said Rep. Cheokas. “As a member of the House since 2004, I have been driven to best represent the needs and interests of my constituents at the State Capitol in Atlanta. My fiscally conservative voting record reflects that effort and the views of my constituents, which ultimately led me to join the House Republican Caucus.”
With today’s announcements, the Georgia House of Representatives now consists of 114 Republicans, 63 Democrats, and one independent. Two seats are currently vacant due to the passing of Rep. Tony Sellier (R-Fort Valley) and the appointment of Rep. Mark Williams (R-Jesup) as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
“Mike Cheokas is a principled leader who has demonstrated courage in putting the interests of his district ahead of political party,” said House Speaker David Ralston. “He will be a valuable and important member of our team, committed to an agenda that is focused on creating jobs and providing economic opportunities for Georgians.”
Representative Cheokas represents the citizens of Sumter, Schley and Marion counties, as well as portions of Talbot County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Higher Education subcommittee of Appropriations and is a member of the Insurance, Health & Human Services, Information and Audits, and State Institutions & Property committees.
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