Blake Tillery

Blake Tillery is an American attorney and politician currently serving as a member of the Georgia State Senate, representing the 19th district. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this position since 2017 and is recognized for his role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he oversees the state budget. Tillery is also a candidate for the office of Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the upcoming 2026 election.

Early life and career

Blake Tillery was born on October 9, 1983, in Vidalia, Georgia, located in Toombs County. He was raised in this community, where he developed a connection to the region and its residents. His family background includes his father, Mike Tillery, who hails from Rome, Georgia, and his mother, Vicki Tillery, who is from Cedartown. This upbringing in a small-town environment likely influenced his later political and professional pursuits.

Tillery completed his secondary education at Vidalia High School, graduating in 2002. He then pursued higher education at the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs in 2006. During his time at the university, he participated in the L.E.A.D. Athens leadership development program, which aimed to cultivate leadership skills among students. Following his undergraduate studies, Tillery continued at the University of Georgia to attend law school, obtaining his Juris Doctor degree in 2010. He was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia shortly thereafter, marking the beginning of his legal career.

After passing the bar exam, Tillery joined Smith & Tillery, P.C., a law firm based in Vidalia that was established in 1997. His tenure at the firm allowed him to gain valuable experience in various areas of law, including workers' compensation, real estate, probate, personal injury, civil litigation, and social security disability. In 2020, after the founding partner was appointed to a judgeship, the firm was renamed The Tillery Firm, with Tillery taking on the role of managing partner. His legal expertise has been recognized through his designation as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, he served as Chair of the General Practice and Trial Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia during the 2019-2020 term.

Legislative service

Tillery's political career began at the local level when he was elected Chairman of the Toombs County Commission in 2012, a position he held from 2013 to 2016. His experience in local governance provided him with insight into the needs and concerns of his constituents, which would later inform his legislative priorities.

In 2016, following the decision of veteran state senator Tommie Williams not to seek re-election, Tillery entered the race for the Georgia State Senate seat representing District 19. He won the Republican primary and subsequently ran unopposed in the general election, officially taking office on January 9, 2017. Since then, he has been re-elected in subsequent election cycles without facing significant opposition, demonstrating his continued support among voters in his district.

In 2019, Tillery was appointed by Governor-elect Brian Kemp to serve as a Senate floor leader, a role that further solidified his position within the state legislature. Following the passing of long-serving Appropriations Chairman Jack Hill in April 2020, Tillery was appointed to succeed him in this critical role, making him one of the youngest individuals to hold the position. His leadership in the Appropriations Committee has placed him at the forefront of budgetary discussions and fiscal policy in Georgia.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Georgia State Senate, Tillery has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect his conservative values and the interests of his constituents. One of his notable initiatives includes his work on income tax reform. In 2025, he was appointed to chair the Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia's Income Tax, which led to the introduction of legislation aimed at reducing the income tax burden for individuals and families in the state. This initiative reflects his commitment to fiscal conservatism and economic growth.

Tillery has also been active in addressing immigration policy. He sponsored legislation that aims to strip sovereign immunity from local governments that do not enforce state and federal immigration laws. This bill garnered attention for its potential implications on local governance and law enforcement practices.

In his capacity as Appropriations Chairman, Tillery played a significant role in securing funding for mental health services in Georgia. He was instrumental in obtaining $409 million for a new forensic mental health hospital, which was included in the amended fiscal year 2026 budget. This funding initiative received bipartisan support, highlighting the importance of mental health resources in the state.

In addition to these key issues, Tillery has sponsored various other pieces of legislation, including measures related to healthcare and library funding. His legislative agenda often reflects a focus on conservative social positions and fiscal responsibility.

As he prepares for his campaign for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 election, Tillery's platform emphasizes eliminating the state income tax, combating illegal immigration, supporting law enforcement, and investing in infrastructure. His campaign has garnered significant financial support and endorsements from various political figures, indicating a strong presence in the upcoming electoral race.

In his personal life, Tillery is married to Ashlee Nicole Sharer, a medical professional, and they have two biological sons and two foster children. The family is active in their local church community and enjoys supporting local sports teams. Through his legal career and legislative service, Tillery continues to engage with the issues that affect his constituents and the broader state of Georgia.