Elfreda Desvignes for Georgia State Senate District 35

Why I Am Running for District 35

I am running for the Georgia State Senate because I feel a weight of responsibility to make our state a better place for everyone. Generations of my family has served in the armed forces, giving me a strong desire to serve. From my Navy JROTC roots to my grandfather’s sacrifice in WWII, I was raised to stand up when others sit down. I understand the challenges our families face because I have lived them. As a survivor of gun violence at age 16, I don’t just talk about public safety—I fight for it. My "New York Grit" and firsthand experience with community crime drive my mission to make our neighborhoods secure and stable. As a property management professional and recipient of the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award signed by President Biden, I believe in economic empowerment. Through my leasing training company and certifications in Financial Peace and Jobs for Life, I help our neighbors gain the skills needed for financial independence.

My Vision for Georgia:

I envision a District 35 where a home is a source of security, not a source of stress. For 18 years, I have worked in the heart of the housing industry, training the professionals who manage our communities and standing on the front lines with families to prevent evictions. My vision is to bring that hands-on expertise to the State Senate to build a Georgia that is affordable, accountable, and empowering for every resident.

The Three Pillars of My Vision

1. Housing Security & Fairness. We must end the era of predatory housing practices.

HOA Reform: Championing the Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights to stop aggressive fines and prevent families from losing their homes over minor HOA disputes.
Lowering Rental Rates: Curbing skyrocketing rents and hidden "junk fees" that make it impossible for working families and seniors to stay in our district.
Eviction Diversion: Expanding the successful rental assistance models, I used in Cobb County to keep families in their homes during temporary hardships.

2. Economic Empowerment & Career Pathways. A stable home is only half the battle; we need stable, high-paying careers to sustain them.

Vocational Excellence: Scaling my model of Leasing and Maintenance Training to provide tuition-free or low-cost vocational pathways for District 35 residents.
Workforce Readiness: Ensuring our local students have direct pipelines into high-demand trades, giving them the economic power to become homeowners themselves.

3. Integrity in Leadership. Leadership is about service, not status.

Proven Service: As a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, I am committed to the high standards of character and community service recognized by the President of the United States.
An Expert’s Voice: I will be the only person in the Senate who has spent nearly 14 years training the industry on the Fair Housing Laws. I know where the system is broken, and I know exactly how to fix it.

District 35 doesn’t need more politicians; it needs a housing expert who has actually done the work. From Leasing apartments to the Senate, I will fight to protect your home, your wallet, and your future!