Enthusiastic, strong, motivated, visionary are just a few powerful words to describe Tonya P. Anderson.  Senator Tonya P. Anderson was elected to the State Senate to represent Georgia’s 43rd District in 2016. Senator Anderson’s district includes parts of DeKalb, Rockdale, and Newton counties. Prior to serving as State Senator, she served as the 1^st State Representative for House District 92.  Prior to serving as a State Rep, she served as city councilwoman and Mayor for the City of Lithonia.  Her love for helping others shines through her public service.  Sen. Anderson is President Emeritus of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC).  She is also a member of the Reapportionment & Redistricting; Economic Development Committee; Regulated Industries; the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee; Banking & Financial Institutions; and MARTOC.  She serves as National 2^nd Vice President for the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.

Senator Anderson retired in 2012 from the United States Air Force Reserve after more than 21 honorable years of service and continues to volunteer and advocate for veterans’ services. In addition, she volunteers in the community through local Senior Centers, The National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, the 100 Black Women, Junior League and United Way VIP as well as several non-profit boards.  As a former board member, she continually serves as a community volunteer for the DeKalb County Board of Health.

Senator Anderson is the recipient of numerous awards over the years by many world renowned organizations to include the National DAV (Disabled American Veteran), Women Veteran’s Social Justice; the Woman of Excellence Award  by The National Foundation of Women Legislators; and The Who’s Who in Black Atlanta 2019 Award.

Senator Anderson earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from The Alabama State University as well as a Masters of Divinity from Luther Rice University.  She is the recipient of TWO Honorary Doctorate degrees in Humanitarian & Theology.  Currently, she is pursuing another business degree.

During the 2020 Legislative session, Senator Anderson authored and championed a criminal justice reform bill—Senate Bill 288.  This bill, having gained bipartisan support, allows for the restriction and sealing of criminal records of most misdemeanor and some felony convictions.  Prior to the passage of SB288, in GA, any criminal record stayed on a person’s record for life.  This bill affects 4.3 million Georgians and will create opportunity for employment, housing and school (to pursue a higher education). SB288 went into effect January 1, 2021, as is a part of Georgia’s history.  During the 2021 session, Senator Anderson co-sponsored another Criminal Justice Reform bill, SB105, which shortens felony probation time.  Senator Anderson is the author of another criminal justice reform bill which will expand the reach to restrict and seal criminal records.

Senator Anderson is an ordained minister, a life coach, consultant, motivational speaker and a proud, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

She and her husband, Houston, reside in Lithonia, GA.