Representative Mandi Ballinger

Mandi Lia Ballinger was a dedicated public servant who represented Georgia's 23rd District as a Republican in the Georgia House of Representatives. Born on April 14, 1975, she grew up in Forsyth County, Georgia, with a deep commitment to her community.

Ballinger passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 50, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was serving her sixth term in the legislature at the time of her passing.

Political Experience

Ballinger entered politics in 2012 and quickly became a prominent voice on critical issues. She served as Chair of the House Judiciary Juvenile Committee and held memberships on several key committees, including Appropriations, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Judiciary Non-Civil, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Rules, and Transportation.

Her legislative priorities centered on three main areas:

• Juvenile Justice and Child Protection: She was instrumental in advancing Georgia's laws addressing child abuse and juvenile reform. Her leadership earned her the Martha K. Glazebrook award from Georgia's Council of Juvenile Court Judges.

• Domestic Violence Advocacy: Recognized by the Georgia Association of Solicitor Generals, District Attorneys Association, Georgia Commission on Domestic Violence, and Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence for her work combating domestic violence and protecting survivors.

• Second Amendment Rights: A steadfast defender of constitutional rights, she received back-to-back Legislator of the Year awards from Georgia Carry.

Ballinger also served on the Georgia Commission on Domestic Violence, Georgia Child Fatality Review Board, Georgia Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision, Sex Offender Registration and Review Board, and Special Advisory Group for Juvenile Justice.

Education and Professional Background

Before her legislative career, Ballinger worked extensively in victim advocacy and child protection. She began her professional life in the nonprofit sector, working at a domestic violence shelter, and later served as a Victim Advocate in the District Attorney's offices of Cherokee and Forsyth counties. She founded and directed a Child Advocacy Center, where she witnessed firsthand the impacts of abuse on vulnerable populations.

In 2013, she completed the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In her community, she served on the boards of Cherokee Focus and Children's Haven, the local CASA program.