Greg Dolezal | |
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![]() Dolezal at a debate in 2018 | |
Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 27th district | |
Assumed office January 14, 2019[1] | |
Preceded by | Michael Williams[2] |
Personal details | |
Born | Gregory Robert Dolezal October 1, 1978 |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Natalie Dolezal[3] |
Children | 4[3] |
Residence(s) | Cumming, Georgia, U.S. |
Alma mater | North Park University |
Occupation | Politician, entrepreneur, business owner[4] |
Gregory Robert Dolezal (born October 1, 1978) is an American politician who is currently serving as the Georgia State Senator for the 27th district in Cumming, Georgia.[5][2] Dolezal grew up in Joliet, Illinois.[6] He graduated from North Park University in 2001 with degrees in business administration and communication studies;[7] he had planned to attend law school but instead moved to Atlanta, where he worked at North Point Community Church and began doing video production work for Louie Giglio's Passion Conferences.[7]
He also worked for eleven years as tour manager for Christian musician Chris Tomlin.[6][3]
Previously, Dolezal served as a member of the Forsyth County Planning Commission, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Impact Fee Committee, and Transportation Plan Steering Committee.[2][3] After writing an open letter accusing then Commissioner Brian Tam, whom Dolezal would run against in the 2018 primary, of "releasing false and misleading information," the commission voted deny a motion to extend Dolezal's term on the Planning Commission.[8][9]
Dolezal initially announced his candidacy for state senate on June 5, 2017.[10] The next year, he defeated Democratic challenger Steve Smith in the 2018 elections by a wide margin.[2] He is a conservative and favors funding for building new schools, is against tax increases, and wants to expand county roads.[2]
In February 2019, Georgia Senate majority whip Steve Gooch named Dolezal as deputy whip; Dolezal stated he was "humbled by the trust that Senator Gooch has placed in me."[11] Dolezal also is Vice Chair of the Science and Technology Committee and a member of the Education and Youth Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Government Oversight Committee, and the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee.[11][4]
In December 2020, Dolezal signed a petition supporting the right of the Georgia General Assembly to overrule the outcome of democratic elections within the state.[12]
In January 2024, Dolezal co-sponsored S.B. 390, which would withhold government funding for any libraries in Georgia affiliated with the American Library Association.[13][14]
Dolezal is a founder and partner at Forsyth County-based technology company Renewed Vision,[2] which was founded in 2000[15] and makes live production software called ProPresenter[6] used by megachurches, the International Olympic Committee, Chick-fil-A,[16] and Mercedes-Benz.[7] He is also an owner and board member of Catalyst Nutraceuticals[3] and a founder of Passion City Church.[3]
In 2018, Dolezal faced two opponents in the Republican primary elections for Georgia State Senate district 27; the other challengers were Bill Fielder and Brian Tam. On May 22, Dolezal won the primary with 59% of the vote.[17]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Greg Dolezal | 14,770 | 59.04 | |
Republican | Bill Fielder | 4,071 | 16.27 | |
Republican | Brian Tam | 6,177 | 24.69 | |
Total votes | 25,018 | 100.00 |
In the general election in November, Dolezal was challenged by Democratic candidate Steve Smith for Michael Williams' seat, but Dolezal ultimately defeated Smith with over 70% of ballots cast.[18]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Greg Dolezal | 66,054 | 72.64 | |
Democratic | Steve Smith | 24,883 | 27.36 | |
Total votes | 90,937 | 100.00 | ||
Republican hold |
Greg Dolezal lives in Forsyth County with his wife and four children.[19]