Georgia CommonsSR 869: Newton, Mayor Craig L. recognize
Last action February 26, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Senate resolution recognizes Craig L. Newton, the Mayor of Norcross, Georgia, for his decades of public service and his history as the city's first African American and longest serving Black mayor.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This resolution is a ceremonial honor passed by the Georgia Senate. It does not change any law. Instead, it formally recognizes Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross for his career in local government, including his election in November 2017 as the first African American mayor in Gwinnett County history and his status as the longest serving Black mayor in Norcross's history. The resolution recounts his more than 20 years of service to the City of Norcross, including as Mayor Pro Tem on the Norcross City Council, and praises his leadership and character. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to Mayor Newton as a keepsake.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross for his public service to Georgia.
- States that Newton was the first African American mayor elected in Gwinnett County, in November 2017.
- Notes that Newton is currently the longest serving Black mayor in Norcross's history.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Mayor Newton.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross. It also involves the Secretary of the Senate, who is tasked with preparing a copy for him. It has no broader legal effect on other Georgians.
Why it matters
This is a symbolic honor rather than a change to Georgia law. Its practical effect is limited to an official Senate record and a printed copy given to Mayor Newton, publicly acknowledging his tenure and his historic election in Gwinnett County.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Newton's background, including his 2017 election as Gwinnett County's first African American mayor and his over 20 years serving the City of Norcross.
- The resolving clause formally commends Newton for his public service and extends well wishes for continued health and happiness.
- The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide Newton with an official copy of the resolution.
From the bill
“in November 2017, Mayor Newton made history as the first African American mayor elected in Gwinnett County”
“he is currently the longest serving Black mayor in Norcross's history”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
- Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
- Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
- Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
- Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
- Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
- Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
- Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
- Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
- Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
- David Lucas (D, SD-026)
- Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
- Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
- Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
Topics
- Norcross
- Gwinnett County
- local government
- ceremonial resolution