Brian Strickland says he wants to “restore the faith” of Georgia’s citizens in the state’s judicial system.
The state senator from McDonough, who is seeking election as state Attorney General, talked about his goals and view of the position last week. He visited Fannin County, along with several other members of the state Senate and House, to attend the ribbon cutting of the David E. Ralston Hall on the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge Campus.
“The role of the courts has gotten so much more important...this seat is as important as any,” Strickland said of the Attorney General post.
He referred to the relationship between laws passed by the legislature and the necessity to make sure the wishes of the state are carried out in the court system.
Strickland said the weight of the office demands an individual who does not play politics, but is able to convince the legislature to provide the funding necessary for the office.
“This is a full-time job. I’ll go in and do the job,” Strickland said.
Strickland is a veteran state legislator, having served in the Senate since 2018. He serves as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and is a member of the committees on Appropriations, Banking and Financial Institutions, Ethics and Health, and Human Services.
He is also a former state representative, having served as as Governor’s Administration Floor Leader for both governors Nathan Deal and Brian Kemp. Strickland was chosen as Legislator of the Year in 2016, awarded the 2016 Champions of Cities Award by the Georgia Municipal Association, and has received numerous recognitions for his work on issues concerning criminal justice and mental health.
He is manager of Smith, Welch, Webb & White, with extensive legal experience in complex issues.
But even with his long list of credentials, “having kids makes you think more and more about the future,” Strickland said as a main reason for running. He and his wife have two sons, ages five and seven.
“The law gives you the ability to really make a difference. It’s public service,” Strickland said.