Joshua Anthony is making history by running for the seat of Georgia’s 153rd House District
at just 21 years old.The Georgia State University student and Albany, Georgia, native has growing concerns about his hometown. By continuously dealing with poverty, low employment rates, and growing crime, Anthony believes Albany and Southwest Georgia suffer from being neglected.
“We’ve had a few past leaders who have brought great ideas to Albany, but overall, most people in our city are still struggling, and it has been for years,” the young politician said.
“There are other cities outside Albany’s District 153 that are progressing at unprecedented levels. Now is the time to get involved and create change with a real plan to reverse the continuous cycles of poverty and struggles for Albany’s residents.”
The goals of his campaign include increasing economic development, fostering rural interconnectivity, and empowering education in the area. According to Longview News-Journal, Anthony’s love for politics blossomed at 14 while working his first political campaign by knocking on doors and canvassing. Two years later, he secured an internship at the mayor’s office in McDonough.
Then, at 19, he wrote his first bill. Working with the Legislative Black Caucus, the bill worked to reduce gun violence while continuing to honor the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. Supported by Georgia Rep. Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek), Anthony says the bill-writing process gave him first-hand experience in pushing legislation forward.
Currently, David Sampson (D-Albany) holds the seat Anthony is eyeing. Since January 2023, the district has included parts of Albany, including Audubon, Lakeside, and Oakdale. By being out in the community, Anthony says Albany residents are over words with no actions behind them. All his college courses are taken online to show his dedication to action.
In his spare time, he can be seen in local barbershops hosting town halls called “Talk & Trim,” where his neighbors ask questions and learn about his platforms. He also organizes with local churches on ideas to develop action-filled steps toward his town’s revitalization.
“We’re supposed to be the centerpiece of the South,” he said. “We can’t afford to have somebody who says they’re going to represent our district, and yet, we don’t ever see the person.”
Revamping Albany can be seen differently through the young candidate’s eyes. By focusing on expanding Medicare and Medicaid, Anthony wants to educate seniors on his plan and modernize infrastructure to increase access to broadband internet. He also supports workforce training programs that target rural-specific skills and increasing the salaries of educators as a way to attract and retain teachers for state public schools.
As an overall goal, Anthony wants to implement the fundamental structures needed to create a sense of self-sustainability in his city. He realizes given the opportunity, everything will thrive. “I am inspired to lead,” he said. “I will never forget the encouraging words of my grandfather: Yes, there will be a struggle and tough times, but that doesn’t have to be Albany’s story.”