State Rep. Bethany Ballard runs for reelection: ‘Dedicated to our shared goals and values’

HOUSTON COUNTY — Bethany Ballard, current State Representative for House District 147, is ready to continue being a voice for her constituents. 

House District 147 includes parts of Warner Robins, Centerville, unincorporated Houston County and Peach County. Ballard has been representing the district for four years, focused on education, military support and tax relief for working families. 

Ballard also serves as Vice Chairman of the Special Rules Committee and on the Appropriations, Education, and Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee. She also proudly chairs the Education Curriculum and Academic Achievement Subcommittee. 

Ballard was recently appointed by Speaker Jon Burns to the Education Committee of the Council of State Governments Southern Office. 

As a state representative, her legislative work centers on delivering tangible results for the district. 

“Over the past years, this has meant championing legislation to improve public schools, providing essential support for our military families and veterans, and tirelessly working to lower the tax burden on Georgia’s working families,” she said.

According to her biography, Ballard has made District 147 her home since 2011, when her husband transferred to Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters. 

After graduating from Southern Guilford High School in North Carolina, she received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Carolina. From there, she received her Master’s in English Literature from the University of Central Arkansas. Ballard taught high school English for many years until she took time off to stay home with her sons. 

During that time, she started running political campaigns and eventually opened her own small political consulting company. 

Ballard spent multiple years as a substitute teacher and volunteer in the media center. She also volunteered in the children’s ministry at Perry Methodist Church, where she served as the acolyte coordinator for over a decade. 

Now, she is running for reelection again and continuing her unwavering commitment to her district and the citizens of middle Georgia. 

“I am dedicated to our shared goals and values, and I am seeking the opportunity to continue the work we’ve started,” she said. 

Since being elected, she considers her biggest accomplishments to be rooted in education and family support. 

On education, she sponsored the 2023 Georgia Early Literacy Act, also known as House Bill 538. This mandated a return to foundational literacy principles and improved screening for reading levels and dyslexia characteristics. This led to the 2025 expansion of literacy coaches, House Bill 307, which added one coach per elementary school and created a State Literacy Coordinator. 

For the military, Ballard sponsored a 2024 measure to streamline occupational licensing for military spouses. She also co-sponsored a 2025 bill to exempt the first $65,000 of a veteran’s retirement pay from state income tax starting in 2027. 

This year, she introduced House Bill 372, which will allow retired teachers to return to work. Ballard also co-sponsored House Bill 1138 to allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control, which will help women, especially in rural areas. Ballard introduced House Resolution 1529 to examine the College and Career Ready Performance Index. 

If re-elected, Ballard hopes to continue her commitment to education, which remains her top priority. She said she will continue to advocate for statewide literacy initiatives. 

However, her number one legislative commitment will be to fully examine the CCRPI and make any necessary changes. 

“This index has been in place since 2012 and, quite simply, does not function as intended. I am working closely with school leadership in Houston County and other districts to adjust this system for smoother school operations and more accurate accountability,” she said. 

Ballard shared that her campaign is off to a great start and has received positive feedback from constituents. 

“We are excited to continue building on the momentum and connecting with more citizens in District 147 throughout the election cycle,” she said. 

Ballard described her leadership style as dedicated, collaborative and results-oriented. She said that while her focus is on achieving tangible outcomes, she prioritizes listening to her constituents and committee members to ensure every voice is heard. She believes the best and most sustainable ideas are generated when all perspectives are included. 

Ballard said District 147 citizens should vote for her because her commitment to them is absolute and proven. 

“I am laser-focused on our home, and every bill I have sponsored has been designed to benefit middle Georgians,” she said. “My record shows a dedication to improving literacy rates, supporting our military families and veterans, and reducing the tax burden on working families. I look forward to earning the opportunity to serve for another term.” 

Ballard will be running against Democratic candidates Renita Duncan and Tim Riley. 

To see if you are in District 147, click here. 

To learn more about Ballard, visit her website. 

The General Election Primary is May 19.