Metro Atlanta
A rundown of Georgia lawmakers’ guests to the 2020 State of the Union
The chamber of the House of Representatives is seen at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, as it is prepared for President Donald Trump to give his State of the Union address Tuesday night. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
By Tia Mitchell
Feb 3, 2020President Donald Trump will give his third State of the Union address to the nation Tuesday night, and each of Georgia’s two U.S. senators and 14 House members get to bring one guest each.
Some, like U.S. Sen. David Perdue, are bringing a family member. Others, like U.S. Reps. Doug Collins and Lucy McBath invited constituents they want to celebrate or use to highlight political priorities.
Some Democrats have indicated they may not attend the address at all in protest of Trump.
Here is a rundown of what we know so far about who Georgia delegation members are bringing to Trump’s address:
- U.S. Sen. David Perdue: his wife, Bonnie Perdue
- U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler: Ginger Howard, owner of an Atlanta clothing business and a Republican National Committeewoman;
- U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler: Jaiden Thompson, a Hinesville native who is a freshman at Georgia Southern University and a recipient of the Girl Scouts Gold Award'
- US. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany: his wife, Vivian Creighton Bishop;
- U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia: said on Twitter he is considering a boycott this year;
- U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Atlanta: has not said if he will boycott but generally does not attend Trump speeches;
- U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Marietta: Dr. Jamie Weisman, a Sandy Springs dermatologist who has also advocated for patient rights and access to healthcare;
- U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Lawrenceville: Jason Thompson, Republican National Committeeman and a former local GOP chairman;
- U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville: Will Cabe, a fourth generation farmer from Red Hill;
- U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, R-Monroe: Sean Davis, a co-founder of conservative media outlet The Federalist and a critic of Trump's impeachment;
- U.S. Rep. Rick Allen, R-Evans: his wife, Robin Allen.
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