SR869: SR869 Newton, Mayor Craig L. recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross. It recounts his history, including becoming the first African American mayor elected in Gwinnett County in November 2017 and being the longest serving Black mayor in Norcross history, as well as his more than 20 years of service to the city, including as Mayor Pro Tem on the Norcross City Council. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply states the Senate's recognition and commendation of Mayor Newton for his public service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for him.

• Formally recognizes and commends Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross for his public service to Norcross and Georgia.
• States findings about his background, including being the first African American mayor elected in Gwinnett County in 2017.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Mayor Newton.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it is a ceremonial statement of the Senate's views.

The resolution directly concerns Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross, Georgia. It also involves the Georgia Senate and its Secretary, who is tasked with distributing a copy of the resolution to him.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences and changes nothing about how Norcross or Georgia is governed. Its practical effect is symbolic: an official Senate record honoring Mayor Newton's tenure and a printed copy presented to him.

• The whereas clauses describe Mayor Newton's background, including his 2017 election as Gwinnett County's first African American mayor and his over 20 years serving Norcross.
• The resolving clause has the Senate recognize and commend Mayor Newton for his public service.
• A further resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Mayor Newton.

1. 2026-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)Primary sponsor
• 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)

• ceremonial resolution
• Norcross
• Gwinnett County
• local government recognition