State representative retires due to illness; special election to come

Georgia House Rep. Mickey Stephens, D-savannah, has formally retired after illness sidelined him since 2019.

Stephens returned to Atlanta after being kept mostly homebound for the last couple of years. He won reelection in November despite this. And on March 31, his wife of more than 50 years, Gloria Stephens, delivered goodbye remarks on his behalf at the chamber of the House of Representatives.

“We are eternally grateful for this opportunity this morning to personally thank you for your immeasurable support,” Gloria Stephens said. “The efficacious prayers and the tons of care and love we have inspirationally felt each and every day of Mickey’s illness. We just had to say, in person, thank you.”

Gloria Stephens told the story of her husband’s illness. Stephens, 76, was in the hospital for three months with blood clots, which led to four surgeries and an amputated leg. From his wheelchair, he received a standing ovation from the chamber.

Stephens was first elected in 2002. He served one term, then returned in 2014, holding

the seat since. He was reelected in November in an unopposed contest for House District 165. His term is set to expire in 2023.

Stephens served on the House’s Health and Human Services Committee, the Insurance Committee, the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee, the Regulated Industries Committee and the Ways and Means Committee in the 2019 and 2020 session.

“I thank you, this has been a life-changing experience,” Gloria Stephens said.

Now, the next step in the process will come from Gov.

Brian Kemp’s office.

After a seat is left vacant in the House, it must be filled by a special election declared by the governor. The governor has 10 days to announce the special election, and it must be held no less than 30 days and no more than 60 days following the announcement.

The responsibility for holding the election falls on the shoulders of the county it affects, in this case, Chatham.

As of Monday afternoon, Kemp’s office had made no announcements for a special election to fill Stephens’ seat.

An email request to Kemp’s office was not returned by press time.

HYOSUB SHIN/HYOSUB.SHIN@AJC.COM Rep. Mickey Stephens, D-savannah, gets emotional as he is recognized in the House Chambers on March 31, the last day of the legislative session, at the state Capitol in Atlanta.