Muhammad Akbar Ali, a 21-year-old Democrat, won the runoff election for Georgia House District 106 on December 3, 2025, beating fellow Democrat Marqus Cole. This victory makes Ali the youngest state legislator currently serving in Georgia, taking the spot from 23-year-old Rep. Bryce Berry.
Path to Victory in Gwinnett County
Ali secured about 54 percent of the votes in the low-turnout runoff, with over 1,700 ballots cast. The race followed a special election on November 4, where neither candidate reached the majority needed to win outright.
Cole led in the first round with 39 percent, while Ali had 32 percent. A third candidate split the votes, forcing the runoff. District 106 covers parts of Lawrenceville and Snellville in Gwinnett County, a diverse area with growing Democratic support.
Voter turnout stayed light, as expected for a special election outside major cycles. Ali’s win keeps the seat in Democratic hands after former Rep. Shelly Hutchinson stepped down to care for family.
Campaign Focus and Key Endorsements
Ali built his campaign around everyday issues that matter to working families. He pushed for lower living costs, better funding for public schools, and stronger protections for immigrants and LGBTQ communities.
As a graphic designer and former vice chair of the Gwinnett Democratic Party, Ali brought fresh energy to the race. His background helped him connect with young voters and local leaders.
Endorsements played a big role in his success. Ali gained support from:
- Former Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, the seat’s previous holder
- House Minority Caucus Whip Sam Park
- Former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes
These backers highlighted Ali’s commitment to progressive values and community service. Cole, an organizer at an environmental nonprofit, focused on health care access, affordable housing, and school investments. He earned nods from state Sen. Nikki Merritt and Gwinnett Solicitor General Lisamarie Bristol.
Breaking Records as Georgia’s Youngest Legislator
At 21, Ali now holds the title of Georgia’s youngest serving state lawmaker. This beats the record set by Bryce Berry, who won his seat at 22 in 2024 and became the first active public school teacher in the legislature.
Young leaders are making waves in Georgia politics. Recent examples include:
- Ashwin Ramaswami, who at 24 became the first Indian American in the state Senate
- Nabilah Islam Parkes, elected as the youngest woman in the Georgia Senate at 33 in 2022
Ali’s win adds to this trend of diverse, youthful voices entering state government. It shows how special elections can open doors for new talent in a state with term limits and shifting demographics.
Gwinnett County has transformed from a Republican stronghold to a Democratic-leaning area, thanks to population growth and changing voter priorities. Ali’s victory reflects these shifts and could influence future races.
What This Means for Georgia Politics
Ali’s entry into the Georgia General Assembly comes at a key time. The legislature faces debates on education funding, health care expansion, and voting rights in the 2026 session.
As a young lawmaker, Ali plans to tackle issues like rising housing costs and school resources. His perspective as a recent college graduate and small business owner could bring new ideas to old problems.
Experts see this as part of a national push for younger representation. In 2024, several states elected lawmakers under 30, signaling a generational change. Georgia’s House now includes more diverse members, which might lead to bolder policies on climate, jobs, and equality.
Here’s a quick look at recent young Georgia lawmakers:
| Name | Age at Election | District | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Akbar Ali | 21 | House District 106 | Youngest serving legislator |
| Bryce Berry | 22 | House District (Atlanta) | First active teacher elected |
| Ashwin Ramaswami | 24 | State Senate | First Indian American in legislature |
| Nabilah Islam Parkes | 33 | State Senate | Youngest woman elected to Senate |
This table shows the growing trend of youth in Georgia’s government.
Looking Ahead for District 106
Ali will take office soon, ready to serve his community. His win boosts Democratic hopes in Gwinnett, a battleground county for statewide races.
Voters in District 106 can expect focus on local needs, like traffic improvements and economic growth. Ali has promised to listen to residents and fight for fair policies.
This election highlights how special runoffs can shape politics, even with low turnout. It also inspires young people to get involved in civic life.
What do you think about young leaders in politics? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to friends interested in Georgia news.
