06/04/2026
GEORGIA REPUBLICAN PARTY
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2026
Contact: Georgia Republican Party
Chairman Josh McKoon
Chairman Josh McKoon Thanks Dr. Janice Johnston for Distinguished Service on State Election Board and Announces Nomination of Carolyn Roddy as Successor
ATLANTA, GA — Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon today issued the following statement thanking Dr. Janice W. Johnston for her dedicated service as Vice Chairman of the Georgia State Election Board and enthusiastically announcing the nomination of Carolyn Roddy to succeed her:
“Today, it is with profound gratitude and deep appreciation that I thank Dr. Janice Johnston for her exceptional service as Vice Chairman of the Georgia State Election Board. Appointed by the Georgia Republican Party on March 2, 2022, Dr. Johnston has been an unwavering beacon of integrity and a fierce defender of election security throughout her tenure.
Dr. Johnston’s contributions to safeguarding Georgia’s electoral processes have been nothing short of transformative. She has been at the forefront of efforts to implement common-sense reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in our elections. Her leadership in advocating for hand-marked paper ballots has helped ensure that every vote can be verified with a tangible, auditable record — a cornerstone of trustworthy elections. She has tirelessly pushed for greater scrutiny and reasonable inquiries into election administration, worked to protect the chain of custody for ballots, and championed measures that put voters first while deterring fraud.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. President Donald J. Trump has personally praised Dr. Johnston and her colleagues on the Board as steadfast “pitbulls” for election integrity, recognizing their courage in standing up for fair elections even amid intense political pressure. Through her service, Dr. Johnston has helped restore faith in Georgia’s elections and set an example for the nation. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and on behalf of the Georgia Republican Party and countless conservatives across our state, I offer my heartfelt thanks for her selfless commitment and outstanding achievements.
As Dr. Johnston concludes her service, I am thrilled to announce the nomination of an outstanding successor who will build upon this strong legacy: Carolyn Roddy.
Carolyn Roddy is a native Georgian whose life and career embody the very best of public service, conservative principles, and professional excellence. A proud graduate of Habersham Central High School, she attended North Georgia College before earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 1975 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1978. She also studied at UGA’s renowned Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications, giving her a unique blend of legal acumen and communications expertise.
With more than four decades of experience as a regulatory attorney specializing in utilities, telecommunications, and administrative law, Carolyn has represented clients before the Georgia Public Service Commission, utility commissions throughout the South, and numerous federal agencies. Her impressive federal service includes roles at the Federal Communications Commission, where she served as a regulatory attorney, Chief of Staff, and Senior Legal Advisor to a Commissioner. She later served as regional regulatory counsel for Sprint Communications Company in the Southeast and as Counsel at the prestigious Troutman Sanders LLP in Atlanta. She also held the position of Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Satellite Industry Association in Washington, D.C.
Answering the call to serve her country, Carolyn joined the first Trump Administration as a Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service, where she played a key role in delivering vital loans and grants to rural electric and telecommunications providers across America. She concluded her distinguished federal tenure as Acting Assistant Secretary for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce, serving as the chief telecommunications advisor to the President of the United States.
Carolyn resides in Marietta, in Cobb County, with her husband and children, where she remains deeply rooted in Georgia life. She is a registered mediator, an Adjunct Professor of Administrative Law at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, and has generously volunteered her time as a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Technology Authority. Her recent campaign for Georgia Public Service Commission District 5 showcased her passion for protecting Georgia families from excessive utility rate increases and ensuring reliable, affordable energy — values that translate seamlessly to her commitment to protecting the integrity and accessibility of our elections.
Crucially, Carolyn has long identified election integrity as a core priority. Her background as a seasoned regulator, her experience navigating complex administrative processes at the highest levels of federal government, and her unwavering conservative values make her the perfect choice to continue the vital work of the State Election Board. She brings precision, professionalism, and a deep love for Georgia that will serve our state exceptionally well.
I am confident that Carolyn Roddy will serve with the same passion, dedication, and effectiveness that defined Dr. Johnston’s tenure. She will be a powerful advocate for secure, transparent, and fair elections — ensuring that Georgia remains the gold standard for election administration in America.
On behalf of the Georgia Republican Party, I extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Janice Johnston for her extraordinary service and extend a warm welcome to Carolyn Roddy as she prepares to take on this critical role. I urge all stakeholders to support her as she takes on this important work.
Together, we will continue fighting to protect every legal vote, secure our elections, and preserve the trust that Georgians deserve in their democratic processes. Georgia’s future is bright, and with leaders like these at the helm, our elections will continue to reflect the very best of our Republic.”
# # #
About the Georgia Republican Party
The Georgia Republican Party is dedicated to advancing conservative principles, protecting individual liberties, promoting economic opportunity, and ensuring the integrity of our electoral processes for all Georgians. Under the leadership of Chairman Josh McKoon, the Party continues to build on historic victories and fight for a brighter future for the Peach State.
Georgia Republican Party | Atlanta, Georgia | www.gagop.org
For media inquiries, please contact the Georgia Republican Party.
Georgia Republican Party | Home
GAGOP: Run Harder. Win Bigger.