
MEET SEN. HALPERN
It is my honor to represent you in the Georgia State Senate.
With a background that includes business and community service, I have seen firsthand the impact of bad public policy. Time and time again, I have found myself putting in the work around issues of access, equity and opportunity.
As your State Senator, I care deeply about making sure that everyone in my district and across the state of Georgia can have a better life.
Better education. Better healthcare access. Better economic opportunities.
In Georgia - a place with so much to offer and a history of setting powerful examples for the rest of the country - we can and must do better.
I am committed to finding real solutions to the problems we face. Thank you for trusting me to be your voice under the Gold Dome.
Senator Sonya Halpern
Georgia Senate District 39

The Latest from Sonya


She taught me strength through grace, resilience with compassion, and the power of speaking up for what’s right. Her love is something I can always rely on.
From her, I learned that true leadership starts at home, that empathy is the foundation of community, and that the greatest impact isn’t measured in accolades, but in the lives you’ve touched.
To all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, stepmoms and mother figures across Georgia and beyond—thank you for your tireless love, your sacrifices, and the way you hold our families and communities together. Today, we celebrate you.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you more than words can say.


Earlier this week, I had the honor of hosting Governor Wes Moore in our home for the second time, and every conversation with him is a reminder of what visionary leadership looks like. He leads with purpose, designing systems that aren’t just built for the moment—but built to last.
His work is a powerful example of how leadership can be bold, intentional, and rooted in real solutions.
We can’t afford to keep doing things the same way and expect different results. If we’re going to solve the problems of today, we need leaders committed to pushing for better and challenging the status quo.
I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when we lead with vision—when we listen deeply, act boldly, and bring people together to create real solutions. That’s the kind of leadership I’m committed to—and I know Governor Moore is too. Because if we’re serious about building a better future, we have to be relentless in our pursuit of bold ideas, transformative solutions, and the kind of collaboration that drives real change.
#Leadership #WesMoore #BetterDaysAhead #BoldLeadership #VisionaryThinking #CommunityFirst


Years ago, I was proud to be a primary sponsor for the Dandy Lion exhibit at @hammondshouse in Atlanta—curated by @apshantology —a groundbreaking exhibit that redefined Black masculinity through bold, elegant self-expression. Victorian cuts. African flair. Every thread a statement of freedom.
Art isn’t just culture—it’s infrastructure. It shapes how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. From my time running the @nbaf to my experience chairing the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts at @kennedycenter I’ve seen the arts spark dialogue, dismantle stereotypes and build bridges.
So yes, let’s celebrate the glamour—but also the grit behind it. Because creativity is power. And it’s through that power that we build a better future.
#BuildBetterFutures #MetGala2025 #BlackDandyism #ArtAsInfrastructure #BlackStyle #CulturalPower #Leadership #ReclaimTheNarrative


No elected Democrats in the county at the state level yet, but the groundwork is being laid. Precinct by precinct. Committee by committee. Vote by vote.
Cherokee, you’re not waiting on change—you’re building it. I’m proud to be in this fight with you.


May this day remind us all that renewal is possible, grace is abundant, and better days are always within reach.




From expanding access to healthcare to supporting maternal and mental health, advancing addiction recovery, and promoting senior wellness, I’m proud to champion policies that help Georgians live healthier, longer, and less stressful lives.
Serving on the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, I fight to ensure that no one—young or old—is left behind when it comes to care.
To every public health worker: I see you, I thank you, and I’m honored to fight alongside you.
#GApol #PublicHealth #HealthEquity


The Sine Die (week 12) edition of my newsletter can be found here:
https://conta.cc/4jmlfrL






In his powerful speech, Senator Booker honored the legacy of Georgia’s own John Lewis, reminding us that democracy demands action, courage, and ‘good trouble.’
Thank you, Senator Booker, for standing up when it matters most. We stand with you. #GoodTrouble #ProtectPublicHealth #ThankYouCoryBooker


At my annual Salute to Sisterhood luncheon, we gathered to honor powerhouse women shaping our communities—leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers in business, education, philanthropy, politics, law enforcement, the arts and media. Their impact is undeniable, their influence unstoppable.
Women hold up half the sky, and the power of sisterhood is limitless. When we lift each other up, the sky’s the limit to what we can achieve.
A special salute to this year’s honorees who joined us. Your leadership and dedication inspire us all:
•Kimberly Beaudin
•Dr. Maria Boynton
•Michelle Lloyd
•Sheriff Tia McWilliams
•Shayla Neely
•Mayor Shameka Reynolds
•Ariel Shaw
Here’s to the women who lead, inspire, and pave the way for the next generation!
#SaluteToSisterhood #WomensHistoryMonth #StongerTogether




https://conta.cc/4leixXm




Yesterday, we honored Mayor Shirley Clarke Franklin, Atlanta’s first female mayor, by dedicating a street in her name. A leader who didn’t just make history but changed the course of it, she led with courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Atlanta.
Now, every time someone passes this street, they’ll be reminded: leadership is about action, legacy is about impact, and the work is never done. As someone who has long admired Mayor Franklin, it was a joy to be part of this street dedication.
#ShirleyClarkeFranklinBlvd
#AtlantaLegacy #HistoryMakers




It’s why I was proud to sponsor SB 262. This bill made sure that provisions of the ACA were upheld—including preventative screenings without copays.




“Sports and politics may seem like different worlds, but they share a common truth: the rules of the game determine who gets to compete—and who gets left on the sidelines. The policies we write, the investments we make, and the access we create don’t just shape winners and losers on a scoreboard—they define opportunity in classrooms, in industries, and in the economy.”


These men and women run small businesses in communities across Georgia providing critical and life-saving services to people seeking recovery from addiction.
Thank you to the members of the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association for dedicating your professional lives to the service of Georgia families
#GARecovers


Under his leadership, SWAC’s impact has extended far beyond the court. He understands that sports are not just about competition, they are also about community — and economics. A $58 million dollar economic impact right here in Georgia to be specific!


What sets doxxing apart from existing cyberstalking laws is the methodical collection of personal data and the calculated decision on what information to release and on which online platform. Once the sensitive information infiltrates public domains, it becomes nearly impossible to retract it, and it leaves victims vulnerable and exposed. This is why the Georgia Anti-Doxxing Act is necessary to keep Georgians safe.


Music is economic development and Georgia has the talent, the history, and the momentum — we cannot afford to fall behind other states that are already investing in their music industries. I am hopeful we will see the creation of the Georgia Music Office soon!


I was honored to recently sponsor Small Business Advocacy Day at the Capitol, getting the chance to connect with incredible women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Women-owned businesses are driving our economy forward, growing nearly twice as fast as those owned by men between 2019 and 2023—and in the past year alone, that growth rate jumped to 4.5 times faster!
When women succeed, communities thrive. Let’s keep breaking barriers and building a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead and grow.
#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness


I like to say that my bill, SB 262, is a status quo bill to ensure that insurers in our state do not start charging patients for preventative screenings.


Senate Bill 320 and House Bill 670, which represent the Civil Rights Act of 2025, promise that every individual, regardless of race, age, gender, background or ability, has a fair shot at success in our state.




Our state has produced legendary artists and the industry supports 70,000 jobs while continuing to grow. Georgia has the talent, the history, and the momentum. We cannot afford to fall behind other states that are investing in their music industries. The creation of a Georgia Music Office is a smart, strategic step that will solidify our place as a leader in the industry—not just in the past, but in the future.


https://conta.cc/43fsDAm


For the first time ever, an American president is weaponizing the Kennedy Center, one of the most prestigious art institutions in the world, and installing himself as chair.
This is not normal. What we are witnessing with the political overtake of the Kennedy Center by Trump and his administration is more than just an administrative reshuffling.
It is an assault on American arts and culture. That should concern all of us—not as partisans—but as guardians of our country’s cultural institutions.
The arts are not the property of any one administration, ideology, or party. They belong to the American people. They thrive best when they are free to reflect the full depth and complexity of our American story.




Just two weeks ago, families who fell victim to Hamas terrorism on October 7th visited the General Assembly to advocate for the release of their loved ones. One of the family members was Yarden Gonen, who came to represent her sister, Romi, who was captured by terrorists and remained imprisoned for 470 days. Miraculously, the same week that Yarden came to Georgia, her sister, Romi, returned home as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal. Romi was one of three young women who came home that day. And fortunately, four more female hostages were released on Saturday as a continuation of the deal.
The liberation of these innocent individuals resonates deeply with the historical liberation that we are commemorating today as we honor the memory of those who suffered and perished in the Holocaust.
We echo the solemn vow — Never Again.
#internationalholocaustremembranceday


“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.”
#mlkday






Senator Bond served as a member of the Georgia State Senate, representing District 39, from 1975 to 1987. For over 50 years, Senator Bond dedicated his life to social activism, civil rights, and scholarship. As I sit in his same seat (District 39) today, I am reminded to continue the fight toward progress!




The partnership between my office and The Reinvestment Fund’s HBCU Brilliance Initiative is one way to move the HBCU communities forward. And it is my hope to introduce a new bill to support our three in-state HBCUs this upcoming session.


As the Jewish community confronts rising antisemitism across the world, it’s our collective responsibility to stand united against hate in all forms. I continue to pray for peace, healing, and the safe return of all hostages—including Americans—in Hamas captivity.
May the light of Hanukkah guide us toward a brighter, more compassionate future.


President Carter’s faith, leadership, and decency will continue to inspire future generations of Georgians and all Americans. Thank you, President Carter.




•
🎉 Yesterday, we hosted 120 amazing students from Kemp Elementary School in Clayton County, GA for the 2nd Annual Let’s Talk About Governance! 🏛️✨
This inspiring day was filled with learning about how government works, meeting incredible leaders like Representative Becky Evans, Dr. Bridget Blake, Senator Sonya Halpern, and more. Students debated and passed mock bills, learning how to compromise and collaborate with their peers. 🙌
A HUGE thank you to Georgia State NAACP, GSU Chapter of NCNW, Student Government Association, and so many others for making this event possible. 💙
#CivicEngagement #Leadership #FutureLeaders #GeorgiaStateUniversity #MakingADifference #Explore #Explorepage #TheStateWay #GeorgiaState #GaPol #viral #GSU
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So it’s easy to understand why every living former Atlanta Mayor made it their business to be in attendance last week for the unveiling of his bus, the final one in MARTA’s Civil Rights series.
This MARTA bus wrap is a rolling tribute to a life spent breaking barriers, building bridges, and uplifting communities. Ambassador Young has shown us how to lead with courage, how to serve with humility, and how to stand firm in the fight for equity and dignity for all people.
Let this bus and Ambassador’s legacy inspire us to keep moving forward, together.






Serving the people of District 39 is a privilege, and I’m committed to continuing our work together.
Let’s keep moving forward, standing strong for what matters most, and making a difference in every corner of our district.




✅ Organized a powerful business roundtable with Tony West and franchise industry leaders, discussing the future of small business and fair opportunity.
✅ Hit the road to Columbus, GA for the National Black Farmers Conference – proud to support our farmers and their legacy and to hear how a Harris administration will too
✅ Kicked off a high-energy canvass launch, rallying for the final stretch!
✅ Joined VP Harris at an inspiring rally – the momentum is real!
✅ Visited churches to spread the message: every vote counts, every voice matters.
Let’s keep pushing forward! 💪🏾 #ElectionCountdown #YourVoteYourVoice”
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My door is always open
at the Capitol because I'm there to serve you. It's not my office, it's OUR office.
Tiffany L., East Point
Sonya's level of integrity and 'get it done' mentality allows her to succeed in every project that she has initiated in Georgia.
![IMG_1531[10603].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/356f50_f60bbbb813ca4b30823dc033b5de9d1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_61,h_76,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_1531%5B10603%5D.jpg)