Jennifer Hulsey, R-Cedartown, has announced her campaign to run for Georgia State House of Representatives as a Republican candidate, in District 16.

The 16th District has recently been redrawn. It now includes all of Polk County and portions of Bartow and Haralson counties.

Community members and leaders across the 16th district joined Hulsey in announcing her candidacy on Jan. 21 at the Stone Creek Inn near Rockmart.

Incumbent Rep. Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown, currently holds this seat.

“I want you to know that I am a republican, but most importantly I am a conservative. I believe in the conservative movement,” Hulsey said. “I believe in our constitution and fiscal responsibility, limited government and free markets.”

Hulsey explained that seven years ago her husband, Johnny, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Life changed in an instant. Times were tough.

“Just like many of you, I had to take on a second job,” she said. “Soon after, I began working as the marketing director of Sylvan Learning Centers across Northwest Georgia. Each morning I would wake up at 5 a.m. to start my day. Then at 3:30 p.m. I would travel 50 to 100 miles outside of teaching, and work my second job at Sylvan. Most nights I would arrive home at midnight, eat dinner and go straight to bed. I did this for three years.”

She continued, “This journey that I began so long ago has made me who I am today. There have been many steps along the way that have brought me here standing before you.”

Hulsey went on to say that whether it is facing the consequences of Obamacare and its incredible cuts to our seniors and disabled, or worrying about keeping a job or finding one, we have many challenges facing us.

“Together, we can write our story,” Hulsey said. “Together we can make a difference. Let’s put a ‘Hulsey in the House!’”

Hulsey will be conducting a series of conference calls and townhalls across District 16. She said it is important that the people’s voices are heard and she said she wants to hear their stories.

The many leadership roles Hulsey now fills include president elect of the Cedartown Exchange Club; board member of the Georgia Parkinson’s Association; board member of the Northwest GA Parkinson’s Association; board member of the Our House Battered Women’s Shelter; board member of the Community Share; member of the Polk Strategic Planning Committee on Economic Development; co-chair of the Patient Power Project for the Doctor Patient Medical Association; and co-founder of American Grassroots Coalition.

Her previous leadership roles include 2011 first vice dhair of the Republican Party; board member of the Cedartown Little League; and National Town Hall Coordinator.

In addition, Hulsey was awarded the Shining Scalpel Award from (AAPS) Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. She was awarded for protecting the “art of medicine.”

Hulsey is very involved in the Polk County Chamber of Commerce.

Hulsey and her husband, Johnny, have three children.

Hulsey has been employed by the Polk School District for 17 years.

Anyone wishing to get involved with Hulsey’s campaign may contact her at hulsey1873@gmail.com or call 770-546-0286 and check out the “Hulsey in the House” Facebook page.

She will be putting up a campaign website soon.