Michael Carson is a legal professional with over 30 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force, law firms, and corporations. An astute political and community advocate with more than 28 years of experience serving underserved communities and marginalized individuals, he aims to chart a new course in Georgia and translate his continuing passion for community building and serving others as he declares his intention to run for Georgia’s State Senate District 38 seat for 2022.
Born December 23, 1964, in Washington DC to teenage parents who were ill-equipped to raise a family and could hardly make ends meet, Michael Carson had a difficult childhood as his family was impoverished, and for the most part, lived with others. Yet, as the oldest child, he grew up fast and took on responsibilities to help the family escape the clutches of poverty while learning compassion, independence and perseverance. Things began to look up in 1976 when his parents moved the family to Los Angeles in search of a better life.
While living with a relative in the City of Angels, Michael had his first encounter with politics at seven years old. “I was up watching television and the constant news loop of the attempted assassination attempt of then-Governor George Wallace. From that point on, I became fascinated with politics. So much so, until I ran home daily from school to watch the news to listen and learn, even at times when it appeared confusing,” he shared. Michael’s path was set from that point, and unlike many of his peers, he was observant of political and civil matters surrounding him where he resided in South Central Los Angeles. In 1984, he exercised his first voting right and became engaged in the local politics anti-apartheid movement 1985.
A young man with vigor to serve his country and its people in all capacities, he joined the U.S. Air Force in Victorville, CA, where he spent some of the best years of his life from 1984 to 1987. Upon leaving the Air Force, he began working at prominent law firms and Fortune 500 companies as a legal professional. During this period, he transferred from the Los Angeles branch of the law firm he was working with (Mayer Brown & Rowe) to its Chicago, IL office (Cook County) in 1992. His move to Chicago did not deem his political interest; instead, he got more engaged and volunteered over the years for Congressman Danny Davis, State Senator Ricky Herndon, and then U.S. Senator Barack Obama.
In 2014, he relocated to Atlanta, GA (Fulton County, GA), where he resides with his family. Since moving to Georgia, he has served as a Post Seat Holder for the Fulton County Democrats, of which he is still a member, a campaign manager, and volunteered for Democratic State Legislators and candidates. He is also a member of the Cobb County Democrats and served as a former member of the Cobb County Progressives. In addition, he also serves on a plethora of initiatives, including Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Atlanta Youth Development Center, Black Male Initiative Georgia, Image Builders, LLC, among others.
Inspired by the likes of the U.S. Congresspersons Ro Khanna (CA), Cori Bush (MO), Joaquin Castro (TX), and Senator Cory Booker (NJ), who “speak truth to power” and serve their constituents’ interest, Michael Carson aims to translate his continuing passion for community building and to serve others to make his dream a reality in 2022.
As he takes this massive step towards his political career, Michael Carson remains steadfast in his pursuit of promoting social justice and changing people’s lives in Georgia. He has identified specific goals, which are highlighted: Promoting strategies for affordable housing, helping to cultivate economic development, championing criminal justice reform, advancing legislation for Medicaid expansion and support for medical personnel, and many more.
