This profile is about candidates for legislative districts we are targeting to flip in November. This profile is a Q&A with Peggy Gillen, who is running to represent District 49 in the Georgia House of Representatives. Gillen is particularly interested in improving the economy, ensuring a quality education, improving healthcare, protecting women's reproductive rights, addressing issues of gun violence, and working towards a more sustainable, clean-energy focused state of Georgia. Learn more about her platform on her website: https://peggygillenforgeorgia.com/issues/ .
Her Term’s motto is “when she wins, everyone does,” what does that mean to you?
When we put more women in office, we have a more balanced approach to legislation, and that benefits everyone. Women tend to consider individuals from all walks of life when evaluating situations and making decisions. When I consider the women I’ve worked with, I can say they’ve tended to be compassionate, pragmatic, smart, and thoughtful. Many of us are expert at juggling many responsibilities at once - from balancing a budget to making sound economic decisions to helping keep people from falling through the cracks.
People tend to look at reproductive health, childcare and some other issues as women’s issues. Can you explain to constituents why these issues should matter to men as well?
I believe that women should have the right to control their own bodies and make their own reproductive decisions. And, many women do not make these decisions alone. They have partners and family to consider.
Additionally, child care is an issue for the whole family; a father should be no less involved than a mother. These issues are very important to men also, as we all know that children would not exist without the men. Men have wives, mothers, sisters and daughters that they care about and whose lives they are a part of. Men want their loved ones to be healthy and well taken care of.
Why is it important to ensure women get a voice in your district, and how are you going to do that?
Women represent approximately half of people in all districts, so it is important that we are represented. That is just common sense. I plan to be sure the perspective of women is woven into the very fabric of my district by having women at the table when decisions are made. And, if there are not enough women in those leadership positions, I will encourage qualified women to run for office. I will also look at every issue and be sure all perspectives are represented and considered, going beyond gender. This will involve reaching out to constituents and making sure their voices are heard.
What inspired you to run for office?
I’ve always served every community in which I have been a part. I am a long time advocate and activist for causes in which I believe. In these capacities, I have learned the good and the bad about what is really going on, what is funded and what is not, and who is making those decisions. I have also seen key issues firsthand, such as families declaring bankruptcy because they cannot afford the cost of treating their children for a life-threatening illness like cancer, our children doing active shooter drills at school and children being killed at school because many in leadership don’t take the need to reduce gun violence seriously, and more. The need for change is obvious, and I know I can be a catalyst for that change. Recently, I advocated at the Capitol for Moms Demand Action and saw the amazing work that some legislators were doing. Unfortunately, I also saw that some legislators really weren’t paying attention to this critical issue. They didn’t care about their constituents. I realized that those people have to go.
When my neighborhood was redistricted, I researched the sitting representative and found he is a career politician who isn’t looking out for the entirety of the district. We need change in Georgia House District 49. I am qualified and passionate and will represent everyone in the district once in office.
Since I have been a candidate it has become more and more apparent to me that I am doing it for the right reasons, and I am glad I’m in it. There is a clear need to flip this seat.
Can you speak a bit more about the benefit of having a new perspective in office, as opposed to incumbent career politicians?
We’re doing a lot to try to show people the contrast. I don't have lobbyists that I’m obligated to, I don't take money from Big Pharma, the gun lobby, or other special interest groups. I don’t have an obligation to anyone but the constituents.
I also have not been doing the same thing the same way for 19 years. The district has changed, and we need fresh leadership, someone who can lead the district as it is now, rather than as it was 19 years ago. We need to ask: What does this district look like now? What does this state look like now? What do people want currently versus what it’s always been like?
How has being a woman influenced your leadership?
Women and other minority groups have always had to work harder and be smarter in order to get the same recognition as others. So, we know how to do it. We put in the effort. We are used to having to prove ourselves, so we make sure we do everything well. We also consider all groups of people because we know what it is like to be overlooked or thought to be somehow less, which is, of course, untrue. Resilience and determination have become our good friends.
What are the major positions that you are running on, can you outline your platform?
We need affordable and accessible healthcare, which means expanding medicaid, keeping hospitals open, expanding and protecting womens’ healthcare, and ensuring that there isn’t so much fear surrounding a family member getting sick and the high costs financially devastating the family.
I also intend to ensure a quality education is available for all of our children. This includes paying and providing advancement opportunities for teachers and keeping public schools strong.
We must create a thriving economy for all by putting more money in people’s pockets, promoting small businesses, preventing increases in property and income taxes, and strengthening the middle class. I have a business background and am a small business owner. I will put these skills to work for Georgia.
I have worked hard for many years and will not stop doing what it takes to lessen gun violence, while protecting the second amendment.
Addressing the impact of climate change and slowing its progression with preventative measures is essential for Georgians, and I will advocate for legislation that will have a significant impact on this problem. Clean Energy, looking into increased mass transportation usage, and education of the public are all efforts that will contribute to the solution.
Why should people vote for you? What will you do differently from the incumbent?
People should vote for me because I care about everyone in this community: those who are lifelong residents, those who are new to the area, different ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, the list goes on. I care about the unique needs and desires of those groups. I want to represent everyone and help them thrive.
What I want to accomplish in office, as compared to my opponent, would much more adequately address the pertinent issues we are facing. My plans also more accurately align with what Georgians have said they want. For example, 89% do not want an abortion ban, and 80% want common sense gun legislation, yet we are not at a place where we are seeing these desires reflected in policy. The same could be said for the economy and public schools.
Of course, we want a strong economy and money to come into our state, and people move here for the quality of the public schools, yet all of these facets of society could use improving. I am not a career politician. I simply want to stand for the people of my district and Georgia and get things done that benefit everyone.
How have you been involved in your community or your district, and how have you made a difference?
I have been here for 25 years and have always been involved in the community and the school system. Both of my children went to public schools all the way through. I have also been involved with my church, along with various events and causes. I have always been one of those people others come to for help and support with their efforts, whether it is to fund a program or create a community outreach event.
I also have a nonprofit event planning, consulting and fundraising business and have helped organizations further their missions with fundraising and strategies, which benefits everyone. I chose nonprofit work specifically because I want my day-to-day life to involve making things easier and better for others and truly making a difference. Now I plan to do this in the Georgia State Legislature.
What, if anything, has changed for you since starting your campaign?
My reasons for running have only gotten stronger. When I entered this race,
Roe V. Wade was the law of the land... no longer.
An individual needed a permit to carry a loaded weapon in Georgia (and Music Midtown was an Atlanta tradition)... no longer.
States that do require loaded weapon permits were allowed to ask the purpose for carrying in public.... no longer.
The Environmental Protection Agency had the authority to combat carbon emissions, one of the biggest climate change dangers... no longer.
And, when I entered this race, women in Georgia did not have to worry about being criminally prosecuted for exercising their reproductive freedom... no longer.
This has all changed in just a few months. It is truly frightening, and there is no reason to believe that this full steam ahead movement in the wrong direction is going to slow down any time soon. We cannot wait two more years for the next election cycle to start making changes. We have to flip seats and move Georgia in the right direction now. For all of us.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Karp Photography