Still: Career, Political Tenure, and Legal Challenges
From his roots in Florida to his current role in the Georgia State Senate, Still has built a career spanning entrepreneurship and high-level political involvement. His trajectory includes leadership within the Republican Party and a transition from the private sector to public office, though his tenure has been marked by significant legal scrutiny.
Early Life and Business Ventures
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Still pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications. Before entering the legislative arena, he established himself as a business owner.
In 2015, Still became the sole owner of a swimming pool construction company originally started by his cousin. Under his leadership, the business grew to employ more than 100 people in Gwinnett County. Additionally, he owns a rafting company located in Bryson City, North Carolina.
Political Career and Legislative Activity
A member of the Republican Party, Still previously served as the finance chairman for the Georgia Republican Party before seeking elective office. In the 2022 Georgia State Senate election, he won the seat for the 48th district, defeating Democratic candidate Josh Uddin.
Following recent redistricting, the 48th district now encompasses portions of southern Forsyth County, as well as parts of Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Still successfully defended his seat in the 2024 general election, securing over 53% of the vote against Democratic challenger Ashwin Ramaswami.
Legislative Initiatives
In January 2024, Still co-sponsored S.B. 390. This bill proposed the withholding of government funding from Georgia libraries affiliated with the American Library Association (ALA). The legislation was introduced following the election of ALA President Emily Drabinski, amid allegations that the organization was promoting a specific personal ideology and influencing the certification process for librarians.
Legal Controversies and the 2020 Election
Still's political career has been overshadowed by his involvement in the events following the 2020 United States presidential election. He was one of the individuals who participated in a plot to appoint fake electors, an effort intended to award Georgia's electoral votes to Donald Trump despite the state being won by Joe Biden.
Due to this involvement, Still was one of 14 people—and one of only two Georgia residents—subpoenaed by the January 6th Committee in January 2022. On August 14, 2023, he was indicted in a Georgia prosecution related to the 2020 election. The charges include violating the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a law designed to combat organized crime), impersonating a public officer, forgery, and making false statements and writings.
Still pleaded not guilty to all charges upon his arrest. In September 2023, a three-person panel recommended that he not be temporarily removed from his office while awaiting trial.
Key Facts
- Education: Bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Alabama.
- Business: Owner of a pool construction business (100+ employees) and a rafting company.
- Political Office: Georgia State Senator for the 48th district.
- 2024 Election: Retained seat with over 53% of the vote.
- Legal Status: Indicted under Georgia's RICO Act regarding the 2020 election; pleaded not guilty.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Home State/Origin | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Senate District | 48th District (Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett) |
| Key Legislation | S.B. 390 (Library Funding) |
| Legal Charges | RICO, Forgery, Impersonating a Public Officer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What businesses does Still own?
Still is the sole owner of a swimming pool construction business in Gwinnett County and a rafting company based in Bryson City, North Carolina.
Which district does Still represent in the Georgia State Senate?
He represents the 48th district, which includes parts of southern Forsyth, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.
Why was Still indicted in 2023?
He was indicted for his alleged role in the 2020 election plot to award Georgia's electoral votes to Donald Trump, facing charges including forgery and violating the Georgia RICO Act.
What is S.B. 390?
S.B. 390 is a bill co-sponsored by Still that seeks to withhold government funding from Georgia libraries affiliated with the American Library Association.
Did Still remain in office after his indictment?
Yes; in September 2023, a three-person panel recommended that he not be temporarily removed from office while awaiting trial.