Meet the candidates for House District 147: Bethany Ballard

Bethany Ballard is hoping to continue forward momentum from her first term as a State Representative, seeking re-election to Georgia House District 147.

Ballard received her Bachelor’s in English Literature from the University of North Carolina and a Master’s in English from the University of Central Arkansas. She made Warner Robins home over 10 years ago after her husband was transferred to Robins Air Force Base. Before politics, Ballard taught high school English.

She, her husband, and two sons attend Perry Methodist Church, where she serves as an Acolyte Coordinator and on the scholarship committee. 

Ballard was elected in 2022 after her predecessor, Heath Clark, announced he would not seek reelection. During her first term, she was appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns to represent the state on the Education Commission of the States. She also serves as Chairman of the Education Curriculum Subcommittee, Vice President of Special Rules, and as a member of Defense and Veterans Affairs. She also serves on the board of Republican Leadership for Georgia.

With only two years of experience in the House, Ballard has already sponsored legislation that she said is significant for Georgians.

“It’s such an honor getting to represent the citizens of Houston and Peach counties. I’ve been able to help so many of our citizens with their problems, and that is always very rewarding. I’ve had a successful two years and have been able to pass meaningful legislation,” Ballard said.

Two bills she highlighted are House Bill 880 and House Bill 538, The Georgia Early Literacy Act, both signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.

HB 880 makes it easier for military spouses to find work after moving by allowing them to use existing licenses in good standing from other states. The bill was signed into law in April 2024 and will become effective on Jan. 1, 2025.

“HB 880 has not only changed things for military spouses in Georgia, but it is nationally known. It is a defense department best practice and has been unanimously accepted as a model policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council. Other states are using my legislation to make their state’s better,” Ballard said.

The Georgia Early Literacy Act requires the Department of Early Care and Learning to provide developmentally appropriate literacy instruction training requirements for childcare providers and requires the State Board of Education to enact several measures to promote early childhood literacy, such as universal reading screeners, training in foundational literacy for teachers, and high-quality instructional materials. 

“HB 538 has completely restructured K-3 literacy instruction in our state so that our students will be more successful in school and in life beyond school,” Ballard said.

She said if reelected, her main priority is forward movement on implementing her sponsored bill.

“My number one priority is to ensure that HB 538, The Georgia Early Literacy Act, is rolled out effectively in our schools and that our teachers are trained adequately. I would also love to work on making computer science and technology a bigger part of our curriculum and perhaps even a graduation requirement,” Ballard said.

Much of state government work is fueled by collaboration; Ballard explained she loves working with legislative leaders and hopes to continue if re-elected.

“The House does indeed have solid leadership. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Speaker Burns, Majority Leader [Chuck] Efstration, and our other leaders. I would be honored to continue in my committee positions, but I will serve where I’m needed in the House,” Ballard said.

Ballard described her leadership style, saying she strives for efficiency, collaboration and open discussion.

“I enjoy the collaboration process with the full chairman and the other committee members. I run my meetings pretty quickly and efficiently and make sure that everyone abides by the rules of decorum and that everyone has a chance to speak and ask questions. My job as a subcommittee chair is not to tell others what to do, but to provide structure and a well run meeting so that an issue can be thoroughly discussed and analyzed,” Ballard said.

Leadership has been a growth opportunity that has enabled her to learn discernment with legislation, she mentioned.

“Being a subcommittee chair also means that I have to collaborate with the full chairman to decide which legislation gets picked up and which does not. Our goals are to  work with legislation that has to do with literacy, school safety, and good policy for students and teachers. I have learned quickly to analyze legislation to see if it fits into these categories,” Ballard said.

Ballard said her campaign has been going great and she has enjoyed speaking to people and various groups. Most importantly, she said the people she serves inspired her to run again and she will continue to work with constituents on issues both large and small.

“I love working for the people of District 147. It’s been so rewarding to serve our community,” she said.

Ballard is running against Democratic candidate Ariel Phillips. Early voting ends Nov. 1; Election Day is Nov. 5.

More information on Ballard’s work and campaign can be found on her campaign website.