- District identifier: Georgia House District 140 designated as sldl:13:140.
- Geographic wiki path: explore/places/ga/lower/140.
- Current representation: Teddy Reese (D), serving since January 2023.
- Institutional setting: Georgia General Assembly lower chamber, operating under 2020 Census legislative boundaries.
¶ 2. Geography and Communities
- Spatial footprint: Located entirely within Muscogee County, Georgia, encompassing urban and residential neighborhoods of Columbus.
- Municipal integration: Shares regional boundaries and civic systems with the consolidated government of Columbus, Georgia.
- Transportation linkages: Connected by major arterial corridors including U.S. Route 27 and Interstate 185 providing regional access.
- Environmental context: Encompasses urban watershed zones connected to the Chattahoochee River basin ecosystem.
¶ 3. Population and Electorate
- Baseline population: Based on the 2020 Census, Georgia state house districts represent an average baseline of 59,585 residents.
- Demographic profile: Reflects a diverse urban population with significant minority representation and working-class neighborhoods.
- Electorate tendencies: Characterized by strong Democratic voting patterns under current district maps.
- Voter registration: Managed via the Muscogee County Board of Elections registration rolls.
¶ 4. Elections and Political Context (dated historical records)
- 2026 election cycle: Open seat contest featuring candidates Marquese Averett (D) and Edward Kvietkus Jr. (R) following incumbent retirement.
- 2024 general election: Incumbent Teddy Reese (D) secured re-election on November 5, 2024.
- 2022 general election: District flipped from Republican to Democratic configuration, won by Teddy Reese on November 8, 2022.
- Historical context: Previously represented by long-serving Republican member Robert Dickey prior to redistricting and map adjustments.
¶ 5. Economic and Civic Anchors
- Local commerce: Anchored by small businesses, retail centers, and professional service offices within the Columbus urban core.
- Regional employment: Proximity to major regional employers in healthcare, education, and municipal services in Muscogee County.
- Civic institutions: Neighborhood associations, local community centers, and historical churches operating as social anchors.
- Educational facilities: Proximity to public schools managed by the Muscogee County School District.
¶ 6. People and Organizations to Map (include three correlation questions)
- Key figures: Representative Teddy Reese, local civic leaders, and municipal administrative officials.
- Institutional actors: Muscogee County government agencies and local nonprofit advocacy organizations.
- Research Question 1: How do municipal urban redevelopment investments in Muscogee County correlate with shifts in health care access and community wellness metrics across Georgia House District 140?
- Research Question 2: To what extent have legislative initiatives from the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee influenced job creation and small business retention within the district boundaries?
- Research Question 3: What structural factors link neighborhood civic associations and local religious institutions to historical voter turnout trends in Georgia House District 140 open seat cycles?
¶ 7. Representation and Legislative Work