Senator Drew Echols

Drew Echols is a Republican representing Senate District 49 in the Georgia State Senate, which includes most of Hall County. He was elected in 2024 and was sworn in on January 13, 2025. Echols succeeded his wife, Shelly Echols, who previously held the position.

Echols is a farmer by profession and has been farming since childhood. He operates Jaemor Farms, a family farming operation with over 105 years of history. Before dedicating himself full-time to the family farm, he worked for Georgia Power Company for 2½ years.

Education and Background

Echols graduated from East Hall High School. Beyond formal education, he has been deeply involved in agricultural leadership and professional development, including participation in the 2015 Leadership Georgia class and serving as a program chair in 2017.

Political Experience and Notable Positions

In the Georgia State Senate, Echols serves as Secretary of the Senate Committees on Retirement and Science and Technology. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism, and Natural Resources and the Environment, as well as an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Echols brings extensive agricultural expertise to his role. He served on the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee for 22 years, was president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Grower's Association from 2021-2022, and currently serves on its Executive Committee. Additionally, he serves on the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Advisory Council, Georgia's Soil and Water Commission board, and the Georgia Agribusiness Council board of directors. He is also a member of the Georgia Peach Foundation for Public Education.

In 2014, Echols and his wife received the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Leadership Georgia from 2019-2022.