Today we’d like to introduce you to Zae Brewer.
Hi Zae, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born during a snowstorm on Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, while the War on Terror was raging. At the time, my mother was serving in the Air Force, and my father was a Navy veteran. Not long after I was born, my mom was deployed to the Middle East. I was too young to remember it but knowing I could have lost her to a war that history now sees as wasteful has always stuck with me as a reminder that who we choose to serve us has consequences. My family moved to Georgia in 2008, when I was five, and I am proud to be a Georgian.
My political awareness began during the 2016 election. I was in middle school and remember going with my grandmother to watch her vote for Hillary Clinton. That night, I cried my eyes out, devastated by the results. From that moment on, I made it my mission to understand how the world works — and how to make it better. I went on to study Political Science at Kennesaw State University, where I immersed myself in student leadership. I served as President of the Young Democrats and the American Red Cross, and in my senior year, I was elected Student Government Association President. Those experiences taught me how to work across differences, build coalitions, and advocate effectively for real results.
As an intern for U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Kyrsten Sinema, I witnessed the inner workings of the Senate during pivotal moments — from landmark Supreme Court rulings to the lead-up to the 2024 election. That experience deepened my belief in public service and the urgency of smart, principled leadership. I also served as a Legislative Aide to State Representative Lisa Campbell in the Georgia General Assembly, where I worked on legislative research, policy strategy, and community outreach. That role gave me a close-up view of how state government operates — its power, its limits, and its impact on people’s daily lives.
I didn’t plan on going to law school, and I certainly didn’t plan to run for office at 22. My dream was to fly the A-10 Warthog as an Air Force pilot. But life had other plans. Just ten days after graduating from KSU, I lost my close friend, Alasia Franklin, to gun and domestic violence. That tragedy — combined with a broken job market and the growing dysfunction and chaos in both Washington and the Gold Dome — pushed me to act. That’s why I’m running for the Georgia House of Representatives: to fight for everyday people and bring something new to the table for the community I love and have spent my life in.
In running for the Georgia House, my mission is to bring bold, responsive, and forward-thinking leadership to District 95. Our community — spanning South Gwinnett and East DeKalb — deserves a representative who shows up, listens, and takes action. I’m focused on expanding economic opportunity, especially for working families and young people striving to get ahead. That means investing in job training, supporting and expanding small businesses, tackling housing affordability, and strengthening our public schools. I also want to be a strong advocate for gun violence prevention, expanded mental health services, and access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Above all, I’m committed to bringing our district together — across age, race, gender, and party lines — to build a Georgia that works for everyone, not just those at the top. From the many doors I’ve knocked and voters I’ve called, one thing is clear: what we have now isn’t working. People are ready for a district that’s united, active, and moving forward — together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t been without its hurdles. Balancing the demands of law school, personal commitments, and running a campaign is a constant juggling act. Finding time to connect with voters, study policy, and maintain a personal life requires discipline and resilience, especially while navigating the challenges of stepping into a new role in public service.
On top of that, entering a political arena that often favors incumbents and established institutions can feel daunting. These systems tend to support those with long-standing connections and resources, making it difficult for newcomers to break through. However, these obstacles, along with my faith in God and the unwavering support of family, friends, and community, have only strengthened my resolve to bring fresh ideas and a new approach to leadership and governance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Prior to my candidacy, I spent nearly two years in advocacy and legislative policy as a Legislative Intern in the U.S. Senate, working with two Senators, and as a Legislative Aide to a State Representative for nearly two years. I worked at both the federal and state levels, focusing on research, community engagement, and helping shape policy rooted in impact and problem-solving. I specialize in connecting policy to people, making sure those most affected by decisions are at the center of the conversation. What sets me apart is that I don’t just study issues or talk about them; I live them alongside my community. I’m proud to bring both lived experience and a deep policy foundation to the work of public service.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something most people don’t know until they get to know me is that two of my favorite hobbies are distance running and writing. Running helps keep me grounded, it clears my head, reduces stress, and motivates me to keep pushing forward every day. I also have a real passion for writing. During my time at Kennesaw State, I explored journalism as a Staff Writer for The Sentinel, where I mostly published political opinion pieces. In the future, I hope to branch out into creative and story writing as well; it’s something I’ve always wanted to explore more deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brewerforga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaebrewer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zae.brewer.7
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zae-brewer-b8a4911b2/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ZaeBrewer
Image Credits
John Brogan – Photo with Sen. Warnock
Cato Martinez – Photo of Zae Brewer with blue suit
Fmr. U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s Office – Photo of Zae Brewer & Sen. Kyrsten Sinema
