Meet Robert
My life and education have been dedicated to service and community. Born and raised next door in Birmingham, Alabama, I grew up in the battleground city of the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up in Birmingham, history wasn’t just something we learned about; it was something we lived with. It shaped my sense of purpose early on and pulled me into community service from a young age. I got my start in public service as the Chairman of Youth for Mothers Against Violence. During this time, we were instrumental in raising funds for youth to attend political rallies around the country.
From seventh through twelfth grade, I attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a public high school that gave me more than just an education—it gave me a voice. In that space, surrounded by creativity, I learned that storytelling could be a tool for justice, and that a strong public education can transform a life. I published articles early on warning of the threat of gun violence that now haunts our communities. This upbringing is the foundation of how I serve today in Georgia’s legislature.
Dedicated to service
The call to public service didn’t come overnight. I first ran for office at the municipal level and in 2022, I ran for a seat in the Georgia House and lost. But #teamdawson is not a team of quitters and we walked away with something more valuable than an election win: we gained a deeper understanding of what it means to show up, to listen, and to work in the community. Two years later, in 2024, I ran again—this time for the newly drawn District 65. I knocked doors, made calls, and sat at kitchen tables with voters who shared their dreams, their doubts, and their beliefs. I won that race, and I’ve carried those conversations with me into every vote, every committee meeting, and every bill I put my name behind.
Representing
As your State Representative, I've been committed to advancing policies that strengthen our communities and ensure the safety and well-being of all Georgians. In 2025, we achieved significant tax cut, public safety and education gains.
I have been outspoken and out front leading the fight for lower prices and lower taxes. I co-sponsored successful legislation in Fulton and Coweta counties to lower school property taxes for seniors. We are actively working on legislation to reel in out-of-control auto insurance rates. My primary focus is to "upskill" District 65 for the economy of the future. I want to make sure our youth have access to the education and vocational training they need to prosper. We need access to a quality job market and substantial business opportunities, so our families and communities grow. We also need financial security for our seniors so they can age in place and leave a legacy in our communities that we can build upon.
Safeguarding our best interests
One of the most impactful pieces of legislation was House Bill 268, a comprehensive school safety measure enacted in response to the tragic Apalachee High School shooting. This law mandates that law enforcement promptly inform schools when a student threatens violence, accelerates the transfer of student records, and requires the installation of panic buttons in schools to expedite emergency responses. Additionally, it establishes a mental health coordinator position in each of Georgia's 180 school districts, ensuring that students have access to necessary support services.
Gun violence is hitting closer and closer to home. Having witnessed its devastating effects firsthand, we are actively working on public policy to stop the violence. This includes fighting crime, advocating for responsible gun legislation, investing in mental health resources, and supporting community-based programs aimed at violence prevention.
Experience
In a professional capacity, I have experience working in the public and private sectors, including the United States House of Representatives as a Staff Writer. I work as a consultant and subject-matter expert in the finance and information technology fields. As a consultant, I have used my experience to consult major entities, including BCD Travel, Xerox, Time, Inc., The New York City Department of Health, and The University of Alabama.
Giving back
Beyond my professional obligations, I have strived to stay active in the communities I call home. I wrote one of the first United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Hope 6 grants, successfully securing $100,000+ in funding for public housing tenant training and a community garden that remains in the community even after the demolition of the housing complex it replaced! I have also written other pro bono grants including a grant from CVS for A. G. Gaston Junior High School and grant from CVS for the Alabama School of Fine Arts. I am a dedicated supporter of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I have had the privilege of developing art programming at Morehouse College, Alabama AM University, Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Morris Brown College, and others.
Servant Leader
In District 65, I continue to mentor youth, support local schools, and recently served on the City of South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals where I was a watchdog protecting the best interests of our neighbors. I am a 2024 Post Seat holder for the Fulton County Democrats and I serve on the Executive Committee of the South Fulton Democrats.
Education
I earned my MFA from Bennington College. I also hold degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Harvard University.
