JaNice Van Ness
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
JaNice Van Ness (also spelled JaNice VanNess)[1] is an American politician who served as a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2015 to 2017, representing the 43rd district, which includes parts of Rockdale County, Newton County, and Dekalb County.
Republican (-2024)
Janice Frey Van Ness | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Georgia Senate from the 43rd district | |
| In office December 18, 2015 – January 9, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Ronald Ramsey Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Tonya Anderson |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Democratic Party (2024-present) Republican (-2024) |
| Alma mater | Auburn University (B.A.) Emory College (A.A.S.) |
| Profession | Politician, businessperson |
In 2015, Van Ness, a Republican, ran for office in District 43 which was vacant due to the resignation of Ronald Ramsey. She narrowly defeated her opponent, Democrat Tonya Anderson, in a run-off election that took place on December 1, 2015.
In the November 2016 general election, Van Ness had a rematch with Anderson, which resulted in Van Ness' defeat.
Prior to serving in the state senate, Van Ness was a Rockdale County Commissioner for eight years, serving two terms. In 2014, she was defeated in a re-election bid by Doreen Williams (D).
In 2024, Van Ness ran as a Democrat for Rockdale County Chairman. She advanced to a June runoff election in which she defeated the incumbent. Van Ness also founded private schools in Rockdale and Newton County, called Peachtree Academy.[2][3]
On January 8, 2025, Van Ness was sworn-in as the Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Rockdale County, having campaigned as a Democratic candidate.[4]