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As State Senate Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institution, Ralph Hudgens is one of the state's foremost experts on insurance, business regulation, and consumer issues.

Ralph's public service began with an appointment in the first Bush administration. He went on to be elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1996 where he served until his election to the State Senate in 2002 where he continues to serve.

After nearly two decades working in the private sector, Ralph Hudgens started Quality Propane, Inc. which he sold in 1987.

Today, he owns and operates several successful businesses, and understands first-hand how insurance premiums impact companies of all sizes.

A loyal Republican, Ralph has served as a GOP delegate at the local, state, and federal level. He is committed to the party platform of lower taxes, less government, and strong family values.

He is 100 percent pro-life and a champion of various pro-family causes.

Ralph is campaigning for:

* Affordable health insurance for our families

* Establishment of a high risk pool for health insurance

* Preserve Georgia's affordable property and casualty insurance

Senator Hudgens is honored to have the following serving as his Campaign Co-Chairs, with additional chairs to be added in the near future.

* Dr. Scott Bohlke, MD of Statesboro, GA – Vice-Chairman of the Medical Association of Georgia Board

* Ms. Julie Hunt of Tifton, GA – former member of the Georgia Board of Regents

* Bill Kuhlke of Augusta, GA – Chairman of the DOT Board.  

The Georgia Medical Political Action Committee (GAMPAC) has endorsed Senator Hudgens.  "Senator Hudgens has earned a reputation as a tenacious champion for health insurance reform in Georgia," says GAMPAC Chairman Ben Cheek, M.D., an OB-GYN from Columbus.

Ralph and his wife Suzanne, have four children and 12 grandchildren. He and his wife are active members at Winterville First Baptist Church.