Judge Penny Brown Reynolds makes history as Georgia’s first woman Secretary of State 

Trailblazing Win Brings Voting Rights Advocate and Experienced Public Servant to Top Georgia Office

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Judge Penny Brown Reynolds made history Tuesday night, becoming the first woman and the first woman of color elected as Georgia’s secretary of state.

Reynolds, a Democrat and former state court judge, defeated state lawmaker Tim Fleming in a closely watched race to oversee Georgia’s elections.  “I am incredibly thankful that Georgians across the state have selected me to represent them as secretary of state,” Reynolds said in a statement. “I began this campaign because I believe in a Georgia that represents everyone.”

Reynolds describes her new position as the highest honor, emphasizing her commitment to protecting the right to vote for all Georgians, regardless of party affiliation, and to supporting small businesses throughout the state. She previously served as executive counsel to former Gov. Roy Barnes and as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“Georgians know that they are getting a chief election official who is loyal to the people and the Constitution, not to any politician. As secretary of state, I will never bow down to political pressure at the expense of Georgians,” she said.

Reynolds’ victory marks a milestone in Georgia politics, further diversifying the state’s leadership ranks and signaling a new chapter in the South.