General Assembly kicks off 2021 session Georgia Senate members take the oath of office on the first day of the 2021 legislative session on Jan. 11, 2021. - photo by Beau Evans, Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – COVID-19 and last week’s storming of the U.S. Capitol loomed large in the Georgia General Assembly Monday as lawmakers were sworn in to begin the 2021 legislative session. Eleven new senators and 20 new House members took the oath of office, as the two chambers – still controlled by Republicans following the November elections – elected their leaders for the next two years. District 26 state Rep. Lauren McDonald III, left, shown with his father, District 4 Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr., was recently sworn-in to his new role in the Georgia House of Representatives. McDonald previously served as Forsyth County Coroner and is replacing former state Rep. Marc Morris. - courtesy Lauren McDonald