Senator Shelly Echols Announces Retirement from Georgia State Senate

On March 8th, Senator Shelly Echols (R–Gainesville) of Hall County declared her retirement from service as a member of the Georgia State Senate.

In a statement, Sen. Echols expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve her constituents in State Senate District 49. She emphasized her commitment to family, particularly highlighting her role as a mother to her two children, Chloe and Cohen.

“While Chloe is off at college, Cohen is a high schooler with Down Syndrome and still at home; and although I feel called to public service, I have realized over the past two years that my highest calling is being a mother to two of the most important people in my life,” said Sen. Echols. “For the past sixteen years my duty as a mom has been to provide the structure Cohen needs to live a successful and productive life. I am looking forward to having more time available to spend with my children and family once I fulfill my term in the Senate.”

Sen. Echols, who was elected to the Georgia Senate in 2022, affirmed her dedication to serving out the remainder of her term. She currently holds the position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting.

Throughout her tenure, Sen. Echols has been actively involved in various committees, including the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Administrative Affairs.

A native of Gainesville, Sen. Echols attended Gainesville College and North Georgia College & State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Prior to her political career, she worked as a high school social studies teacher and later joined her father’s business, Daniel’s Charters, where she served as the Director of Human Services. In 2007, she founded her own business, Daniel’s Educational Tours, focusing on education-based field trips for schools across the state.

In addition to her political endeavors, Sen. Echols is active in her community, serving on the board of Choices Pregnancy Care Center and the Avita Community Partners Board of Directors. She is married to Drew Echols, a local businessman and farmer.

Sen. Echols expressed her appreciation for the support she has received throughout her career and looks forward to spending more time with her family following her term in the Senate.