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Representative Lisa Campbell discusses running as first woman elected in District 35
Summary
On Cobb County Smart Justice Works, Rep. Lisa Campbell described her path to office, why she ran (citing women’s rights and family experience), and the barriers women face in the Georgia legislature, including scheduling and chamber-floor rules she calls outdated.
Mackie Messer, Cobb County solicitor general, interviewed Representative Lisa Campbell about her background and priorities, introducing her as the first woman elected to represent House District 35, which includes Acworth, Kennesaw and part of Marietta.
Campbell said she was motivated to run in part by concerns about women’s rights and healthcare: “The 6 week” abortion ban, she said, “essentially eliminates our ability to make healthcare decisions about our own body.” She described moving back to Cobb County while her mother was battling ovarian cancer as sharpening her resolve to seek office.
Campbell also described practical barriers women face in the state legislature. She said unpredictable session schedules make childcare planning difficult for working parents and noted an outdated rule that allows only legal spouses (not partners or staff) to accompany members on the chamber floor, disadvantaging single legislators. “I would like to invite my chief of staff or my plus 1 — not allowed,” she said, calling the rule “silly” and out of date.
Messer and Campbell highlighted Campbell’s interest in the arts and communication; she mentioned a podcast, Politics and Poetry, started during the COVID pandemic. She urged constituents to engage with the Capitol and committee meetings, and to sign up for her newsletter at lisaforga.com for updates and constituent services.
