CORDELE — For 18 years, Johnny Floyd has represented the people in his district as a voice in Atlanta. Industry, education, healthcare and economic development are all on his list of top priorities.

Seeking reelection this year for the state representative seat for the 147th District, Democrat Floyd will change his party line to Republican when he qualifies in Atlanta today.

“I want to give the best representation I can to my district and now is the right time to do it,” he said in an exclusive interview Tuesday. “It’s tough being in the House of Representatives and not being a part of the establishment.”

The House is currently held by a majority of Republicans, and Floyd is not the only one from the rural part of the state to make this change. Representative Richard Royal of Camilla is also making the transition over party lines.

Floyd has worked over the past with Republicans who thought enough of him to place him on key committees while a Democrat.

“I want to try to accomplish the most I can for my district working with the Republican House,” he said. “Right now most of the Democrats in the House are from urban cities and not too many are from rural areas and the time is right to do this.”

During his time in the House, Floyd has been on many committees and recently was instrumental in obtaining $4 million dollars of funding for South Georgia Technical College and $5 million for Darton College for projects.

First elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 1989, Representative Johnny Floyd is faithfully serving the constituents of House District 147. His district encompasses Crisp, parts of Dooly, Houston, Pulaksi and Worth Counties. His current legislative duties under the Gold Dome include membership on the Appropriations, Banks & Banking and Transportation Committees.

He married Judy Jones Floyd and they have two sons, Jason and Trae. They also have four grandchildren.

Over three decades ago, Floyd started a family business, Floyd Timber, at which he still works, alongside his two sons. And in the 1990’s, Floyd developed Timberland Plantation and Timberland North, two subdivisions off Royal Road in Crisp County.