Debra Shigley is a working mom of five, an attorney and a small business owner. She had a very successful career and life was already full and overflowing. She even was an anchor and journalist! So, politics wasn’t part of her plan. But, Shigley admitted she does not like what’s happening in the community and knew something has to change. Thursday, Shigley formally announced she will run for the soon-to-be-open Georgia’s 21st District seat inside the State Senate.
“We need leadership that knows what it takes to actually run something,” Shigley says regarding the economy. “I know what it’s like to stretch every dollar, plan every week, make tough calls, not just in theory, but in real life. I built a career as a lawyer and entrepreneur navigating systems that too often work against working people.
I’ve seen what happens when our institutions fail, and I’ve fought to create opportunity anyway. That’s the voice I’ll bring to the State Senate: a voice that knows what it’s like to juggle diaper changes with Zoom calls and soccer practice. A voice that understands struggle, believes in solutions and refuses to give up on Georgia families.”
Shigley resides in Milton. However, the 21st District in the State Senate includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee Counties. Notable towns included are Alpharetta, Canton, Milton, and Roswell. State Senate districts average 191,000 residents and State House districts nearly 60,000.
Shigley is the lone Democrat in a crowded primary
It was announced State Sen. Brandon Beach would become President Donald J. Trump’s treasurer in March. It means his signature will be on American currency and he’ll be an adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Beach’s departure means there will be an open primary for the seat. There are seven Republican candidates also vying for the seat. Notable Republicans running include Cherokee County Commissioner Steve West and business owner Jason Dickerson.
Conversely, Shigley is the lone Democrat in the race. She has the full endorsement of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
“Now is the time to elect leaders under the Gold Dome who are ready to help Georgia’s families and not just talk about lowering prices and helping families. I am here today to tell you that you have such a leader, and her name is Debra, and she is ready to win the 21st Senate District,” said Georgia Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II.
Platforms
Shigley highlighted several key policy focus areas for working families. With respect to Education, Shigley is pushing for increased funding for public schools while raising teacher pay and resources. Shigley is also advocating for affordable healthcare. Lastly, Shigley focuses on understanding the real-world challenges faced by working families and creating practical solutions that prioritize their needs over political drama.
“This campaign isn’t about party lines, it’s about priorities,” Shigley said. “I believe in lifting up every member of our community, not just the ones who can afford to be heard that starts with education, yes, but it also means lowering costs better health care, it means safer communities, and it means good paying jobs that don’t require a four year degree.”
Her core message is about bringing “compassion, honesty, and accountability” to public service, with a commitment to lifting up every community member, not just those who can afford to be heard.
“I may not have started my career in politics, but I have always believed in service, and that’s what this campaign is about,” Shigley said. “It’s about our future, not just for this election, but for the kind of Georgia we want our kids to grow up in. Because if we don’t fight for it, who will?”
