FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2025
December 19, 2025
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Ceretta Smith for Election to Congress
Categories:
Senate, Congress
AFGE says Smith is a prominent labor ally who values public service
RIVERDALE, Ga. –– The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Ceretta Smith for election to the U.S. House representing Georgia’s 12th Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
Smith is a past president and current member of AFGE Local 2017 and also serves as the fair practices coordinator and women’s coordinator for AFGE Council 172, which represents Defense Commissary Agency workers.
Smith is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served as a medic for nearly a decade before beginning a 24-year career in the federal government, AFGE District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas said.
“Ceretta Smith has been praised for a career characterized by service and integrity. She never forgets the real reason to serve – and that’s to serve the people,” Thomas said. “She is a prominent figure in the labor movement, having held numerous leadership positions within AFGE, including president of the Georgia State Council. Endorsing organizations see her as a champion for working families and an advocate for federal employees and veterans. As a Grovetown City Council member and small business owner, she is viewed as someone who understands the needs of local communities and the importance of supporting small businesses. She will never forget who put her in office.”
More than 81,000 federal employees live in Georgia – caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 115,000 federal employees in District 5, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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