- District ID: GA-HD-116
- District Key: sldl:13:116
- Wiki Path: explore/places/ga/lower/116
- Current Representative: El-Mahdi Holly (D)
- Legislative Chamber: Georgia House of Representatives (Lower)
- County Composition: Located within Henry County
¶ 2. Geography and Communities
- Boundaries: Encompasses central and southern Henry County communities.
- Municipalities: Includes parts of Stockbridge, McDonough, Locust Grove, Hampton, and Jenkinsburg.
- Transportation Systems: Serviced by Interstate 75, state routes 20 and 81, and freight rail corridors.
- Environmental Features: Local creeks and rolling terrain characteristic of the upper Piedmont region.
- Adjoining Districts: Borders Georgia House Districts 115 and 117.
¶ 3. Population and Electorate
- Total Population: Reported at 57,569 residents in the 2020 decennial census.
- Demographic Breakdown: Approximately 74.1% White, 10.6% Black, 10.0% Hispanic, and 3.3% Asian.
- Electorate Trends: Rapid suburban growth with shifting political dynamics favoring Democratic candidates in recent election cycles.
- Housing and Growth: High concentration of master-planned subdivisions and expanding commercial retail centers.
¶ 4. Elections and Political Context
- Representation History: Represented by El-Mahdi Holly (D) since 2023 following redistricting adjustments (having previously served District 111).
- Electoral Records: Incumbent El-Mahdi Holly won the Democratic primary and advanced to the November 2026 general election against Republican challenger Samie Conyers.
- Electoral History: Sustained Democratic victories in general election cycles from 2022 through 2024.
- Election Administration: Administered by the Henry County Board of Elections.
¶ 5. Economic and Civic Anchors
- Employment Hubs: Logistics warehouses along I-75, retail centers, healthcare providers, and local government offices.
- Economic Development: Major distribution facilities for national brands taking advantage of proximity to Atlanta.
- Civic Organizations: Local chambers of commerce, youth sports leagues, and charitable food distribution networks such as the #GiveThanks Food Giveaway.
- Educational Anchors: Henry County Public Schools facilities serving local neighborhoods.
¶ 6. People and Organizations to Map
- Key Figures: El-Mahdi Holly (State Representative), local municipal mayors, and Henry County commissioners.
- Key Organizations: Georgia Africa Legislative Caucus, Henry County Public Schools, and local labor councils.
- Correlation Question 1: How do municipal tax exemptions, such as the Locust Grove homestead exemption, influence residential stability and housing markets in Georgia House District 116?
- Correlation Question 2: In what ways do international trade initiatives, such as the Georgia Africa Legislative Caucus, connect local Henry County businesses to broader economic corridors?
- Correlation Question 3: What correlation exists between labor coalition priorities and transportation infrastructure investments across the municipalities of Georgia House District 116?
¶ 7. Representation and Legislative Work
- Committee Assignments: Serves on the Industry and Labor, Transportation, and Code Revision committees.
- Legislative Initiatives: Authored measures creating local homestead exemptions and established the Georgia Africa Legislative Caucus to promote international trade.
- Constituent Outreach: Active community engagement including annual food insecurity relief programs and youth mentorship initiatives.
- State Collaboration: Coordinates with legislative black caucus members and statewide economic development bodies.