LT. GOVERNOR FRONTRUNNER, CONSERVATIVE STEVE GOOCH WON’T BACK DOWN ON PUBLIC SAFETY

GEORGIA – Conservative Senator Steve Gooch is stepping up where others are content to grandstand, delivering real action to shield Georgians from the rising tide of lawlessness pushed by the far left.

In the wake of media-fueled hysteria that has seen protesters storm churches mid-service to harass worshippers, Gooch didn’t hesitate. He introduced SB 591, a straightforward bill that makes it a crime to disrupt religious services, funerals, or memorials. This isn’t about stifling speech – it’s about protecting sacred moments from the kind of mob tactics that have become all too common under woke influence.

“This insane behavior was once unthinkable, but it has become the norm for the woke left – even stooping so low as to violently disrupt memorial services right here in Georgia after Charlie Kirk’s assassination,” Gooch declared. “Woke liberals may not think church is sacred, but I won’t allow it on my watch.”

The bill has already cleared the Senate with strong bipartisan support and now sits in the House, ready for lawmakers to stand up for faith communities.

But Gooch isn’t stopping at defending houses of worship. His flagship bill, SB 592 – the One Strike Act – aims to end the revolving door for violent predators once and for all. With statistics showing up to half of violent crimes committed by first-time offenders, the bill would impose life without parole for certain first-time violent felonies. One strike, you’re out – permanently – because families shouldn’t live in fear that the thug who attacked once will do it again.

“Our families are terrified because liberal DAs and activist judges have put violent criminals back on our streets to strike again. They’re scared their son or daughter will become the next Laken Riley,” Gooch said. “But one violent act should be enough to remove a predator from our streets – permanently.”

Yet Senate Democrats played their familiar games, blocking the bill from even reaching the floor on Crossover Day through procedural tricks that prevented a real vote. Worse, during committee debates, some Judiciary Democrats openly argued that life without parole for an adult who molests a child under 12 was too harsh. Let that sink in: in the face of one of the most depraved crimes imaginable, these liberals fretted that the punishment might be excessive. It’s a stunning display of misplaced values – prioritizing leniency for child predators over justice for innocent victims and their families.

This isn’t tough rhetoric for election season; it’s the product of months working hand-in-hand with judges, district attorneys, and law enforcement who see the broken system up close and demand real change.

“Georgians deserve better than weak-kneed politicians who only talk about public safety during campaign season,” Gooch stated firmly. “I’ve led the fight to protect our families for 15 years, and now I’m putting these criminals on notice that we’re taking the fight to them. When I’m Lt. Governor, it’ll be one strike – you’re OUT!”

In an era of soft-on-crime policies and cultural attacks on traditional values, Senator Gooch is proving that bold, common-sense leadership can still prevail. The far left may have stalled the One Strike Act for now, but it will be his number 1 priority in the 2027 session when he enters as Lt. Governor.