Carrollton, GA—Carroll County native, David Huddleston, has announced his candidacy for election to the 72^nd District of the Georgia House of Representatives following the retirement announcement of Chairman, Randy Nix. Huddleston’s campaign centers on advocating for small business, pro law-enforcement, education and agricultural preservation.

As an area farmer and recent retiree after 36 years with Carroll EMC, Huddleston is a lifelong steward to the community. During his career he was responsible for materials and warehousing, fleet and automotive, and later became purchasing manager prior to adding special projects and managing agribusiness efforts for the co-op. As owner and operator of cattle, chicken-houses, hayfields, and beehive operations, he knows the ins-and-outs of running a successful business and preserving natural resources.

“Mentoring youth and volunteering in the community have been my past-time for many years,” said Huddleston. “It wasn’t until my agribusiness role at Carroll EMC and attending UGA’s Advancing Georgia Leaders in Agriculture that I realized what an impact I could make serving in the General Assembly. Now, the timing is right with Chairman Nix announcing his retirement. He has served this district with amazing integrity and honesty.”

Huddleston is still actively involved with ten area FFA and 4-H programs and assists Carroll EMC with its annual FFA Day where the co-op hosts 300+ students from the region. He is also affiliated with and holds leadership positions with the Carroll County Planning & Zoning Board, Georgia Cattleman’s Association, Carroll and Heard County Cattleman’s Associations, Carroll County Young Farmers, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Counsel, Carroll and Troup County GOPs, and Heard and Carroll High School Ag Advisory Boards.

Other platforms of interest for Huddleston include supporting area law enforcement and the modernization of law enforcement equipment, training and techniques. He is also interested in supporting legislation that encourages small business and stimulates local economies along with securing resources for local school districts and empowers local decision-making. Lastly, David Huddleston will enhance and expand agriculture and rural communities by supporting legislation that promotes or protects farming and exploring ways to enhance the region, like area broadband.

“I had the opportunity prior to retiring to be directly involved with the co-op’s broadband project,” said Huddleston. “We called on area businesses and farms and determined what our need was and then gathered signatures to support the steps and investments that were about to be made. Fortunately, it was our district that qualified for Phase I and we’ll be the first to have fiber-optic cable ran directly to our homes and farms.”