Steve Gooch

Stephen Gooch (born February 25, 1967) is an American politician. He is a member and former majority leader of the Georgia State Senate from the 51st District, serving as a senator since 2010 and as the majority leader from 2023 to 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party.^[1]

Steve Gooch
Gooch in 2016
Majority Leader of the Georgia State Senate
In office January 9, 2023 – May 15, 2025
Preceded by	Mike Dugan
Succeeded by	Jason Anavitarte
Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 51st district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 10, 2011
Preceded by	Chip Pearson
Personal details
Born	(1967-02-25) February 25, 1967 (age 58) Dahlonega, Georgia, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Shannon
Children	3
Education	University of North Georgia (BS, MPA)

In 2014, the Georgia Senate elected Gooch as the majority whip, and was reelected in 2016 and 2018.^[2] Gooch was elected to serve as the majority leader in 2022.

On May 15, 2025, Gooch announced his candidacy for Georgia lieutenant governor in the 2026 election. He announced he would model his candidacy after U.S. President Donald Trump.^[3]

Policy and legislation

In January 2024, Gooch co-sponsored S.B. 390, which would withhold government funding for any Georgia libraries affiliated with the American Library Association. The bill was drafted following the election of ALA President Emily Drabinski and allegations of the organization promoting a personal ideology and influencing librarian certification.^[4][5][6]