Georgia State Representative Mandi Ballinger, a Republican from Canton serving District 23, passed away on October 12, 2025, after a long fight with cancer. House Speaker Jon Burns announced the news, praising her dedication to vulnerable groups like children and domestic violence survivors.
Tributes Pour In from Leaders
Many Georgia officials shared heartfelt messages after the announcement. Governor Brian Kemp called her a leader respected by both parties for her work in justice and family issues.
Speaker Burns highlighted her resilience and impact on countless lives. He noted her role as chair of the House Judiciary Juvenile Committee, where she pushed for stronger laws on child abuse.
Attorney General Chris Carr described her as a champion for those in need. These statements show how her work touched many across the state.
Friends and colleagues remembered her as kind and committed. Her passing leaves a gap in the Georgia House, where she served for over ten years.
Key Achievements in Her Career
Ballinger started her time in the Georgia House in 2013 after winning the District 23 seat. She focused on laws to protect families and fight abuse.
One major effort was improving rules on domestic violence. She helped pass bills that gave better support to survivors and tougher penalties for offenders.
She also worked on juvenile justice reforms. These changes aimed to help young people in the system get fair treatment and second chances.
Ballinger received awards from groups like the National Rifle Association for her freedom defense work. Her efforts earned praise from child welfare organizations too.
In recent years, she served on state commissions dealing with family violence. These roles let her shape policies that helped many Georgians.
Personal Life and Community Ties
Ballinger lived in Canton with her family. She is survived by her husband, State Court Judge Allen Morris, and their son, Henry.
Before politics, she worked as a consultant. Her House biography notes her deep roots in Cherokee County, where District 23 is based.
She balanced her public duties with family life. Many recall her as a devoted mom who brought real-life insights to her legislative work.
Her community involvement went beyond the capitol. She often met with voters to hear their concerns and build local support.
Impact on Georgia Laws and Beyond
Ballinger’s work led to real changes in state laws. For example, she backed measures to strengthen child protection services.
Her advocacy helped increase funding for programs aiding abuse victims. This made a difference in how Georgia handles these tough cases.
Beyond laws, she inspired other women in politics. Her story shows how one person can drive change in areas like family safety.
Recent events, like ongoing debates on justice reforms in 2025, highlight her lasting influence. Her ideas continue to shape discussions in the House.
Experts say her focus on vulnerable groups aligns with broader trends in U.S. states. More lawmakers now prioritize similar issues, building on her foundation.
What Happens Next for District 23
With Ballinger’s passing, District 23 needs a new representative. Georgia law calls for a special election to fill the seat.
The governor will set the date soon. This could happen within months, giving voters a chance to choose someone new.
Potential candidates may step up from local politics. The district covers parts of Cherokee County, known for its mix of rural and suburban areas.
Voters will look for someone who shares Ballinger’s values on family and justice. Her legacy will likely play a big role in the race.
Here is a quick look at her career milestones:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Elected to Georgia House for District 23 |
| 2014 | Appointed to Georgia Commission on Family Violence |
| 2020 | Received high legislative score for conservative policies |
| 2022 | Awarded NRA Defender of Freedom for gun rights work |
| 2025 | Passed away after cancer battle |
Remembering Her Legacy
Ballinger’s death comes at a time when Georgia faces key challenges in child welfare and justice. Her work reminds us of the need for strong advocates.
Families across the state benefit from the laws she helped create. Her story encourages others to get involved in public service.
As we reflect on her life, share your thoughts on her impact. What memories do you have of Rep. Ballinger? Comment below and pass this article to friends to keep her memory alive.
