Lawrenceville, December 3, 2025 – Muhammad Akbar Ali, a 21-year-old recent college graduate and Democratic organizer, won a runoff election Tuesday to represent Georgia House District 106, becoming the youngest state legislator currently serving in Georgia.
Ali secured 54 percent of the vote in the low-turnout runoff against fellow Democrat Marqus Cole, who received 46 percent. Fewer than 2,000 voters cast ballots in the December 2 contest, a sharp decline from the more than 8,000 who participated in the November 4 special election.
The seat became vacant in September when Representative Shelly Hutchinson resigned. The district covers a southwestern portion of Gwinnett County, including parts of Lawrenceville and Snellville.
In the initial three-way race, Cole led with 39 percent, followed by Ali with 32 percent and Republican Jamie Parker with 29 percent. Because no candidate surpassed 50 percent, state law required a runoff between the top two finishers.
Ali, a former first vice chair of the Gwinnett County Democratic Party and a recent Kennesaw State University graduate, ran on a platform emphasizing economic relief for families, education funding, and protecting civil rights.
“Tonight, I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the voters of Georgia House District 106 have placed in me,” Ali said in his victory statement. “This victory belongs to all of us.”
He thanked his supporters, campaign staff, and volunteers, pledging to serve constituents across the political spectrum. “I want every person in District 106, whether you voted for me or not, to know this: I will work every single day to earn your trust,” he said.
Ali promised to govern with integrity and transparency while focusing on lowering costs for families, strengthening schools, and delivering results for the district.
“The work begins anew today,” he said. “After months of dedication from so many, now it's time to deliver.”
The special election, called by state officials on September 10, featured a condensed timeline with candidate qualifying in mid-September and advance voting beginning October 14. Ali is expected to be sworn in when the Georgia General Assembly convenes in January.
