Atlanta, January 13, 2026 — State Rep. Soo Hong, an AAPI Republican from HD-103, was elected vice chairman of the House Majority Caucus on Tuesday, stepping into a leadership role vacated by Rep. Houston Gaines of Athens as the Georgia Legislature prepares for its 2026 session.
The appointment marks a significant step for Hong, who was first elected to represent District 103 in 2022 and has quickly ascended through the ranks of the Republican-dominated state House. She will serve out the remainder of Gaines' term through the end of the 2025-2026 legislative cycle.
In her new position, Hong will help manage the day-to-day operations of the GOP caucus, including coordinating member services, overseeing political strategy for incumbent reelections and recruiting new candidates. She will also preside over caucus meetings when Chairman Bruce Williamson is absent.
“I am grateful to be entrusted by my colleagues with the opportunity to fill Vice Chairman Gaines' position,” Hong said in a statement Tuesday. She pledged to advance what she described as “conservative, commonsense policies that improve the lives of all Georgians.”
The appointment comes as Georgia Republicans prepare for what could be a contentious legislative session, with debates likely over education funding, tax policy and other hot-button issues that have defined state politics in recent years.
Williamson, who has represented portions of Gwinnett and Walton counties since 2010, praised Hong's selection, noting her prior role as one of Gov. Brian Kemp's floor leaders — a position that gave her substantial influence in shepherding the governor's legislative priorities through the House.
“Rep. Hong brings with her extensive knowledge of our legislative process and a proven record of effective leadership,” Williamson said, adding that her experience would be “a tremendous asset” as lawmakers convene for the upcoming session.
Hong's district spans portions of Gwinnett and Hall counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area. In addition to her new caucus leadership role, she serves as vice chair of the House Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and secretary of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee. She also sits on the Judiciary and Ways and Means committees.
The leadership shuffle occurs as Georgia Republicans maintain substantial control of the state House, though Democrats have made incremental gains in recent election cycles, particularly in suburban Atlanta districts. Hong's elevation signals the GOP's effort to maintain cohesion and organizational strength heading into what promises to be a closely watched midterm election year.
