Astrid Ross

Astrid Ross (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Georgia State Senate to represent District 7. She lost in the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026.

Ross (Democratic Party) also ran in a special election to the Georgia State Senate to represent District 7. She lost in the special general election on May 19, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Astrid Ross — a mother, grandmother, educator, mental health advocate, and community leader who turned her personal pain into public purpose.

I was raised in Atlanta and shaped by my family’s Christian faith, and resilience. I have spent my life serving others. As an educator and school leader, I’ve worked to ensure that children—especially those from underserved and diverse communities—had access to opportunity, literacy, and dignity in the classroom. As a Georgia Certified Peer Specialist working at the only urgent psychiatric clinic in Georgia, founder of a growing mental health support network, I have helped families navigate trauma, stigma, and healing.

My advocacy is deeply personal. As a survivor of suicide loss, a Black Muslim woman, and a late-diagnosed autistic adult, I speak openly about the intersections of identity, grief, faith, and resilience. My voice has become a source of strength for people who have often felt unseen or unheard.

I’m also an author and storyteller, using my newest book, Crazy!, and public speaking to challenge how society labels and treats mental illness—especially among Black women and marginalized communities.

Now, that I am stepping into public leadership by running for Georgia State Senate District 7, I’m bringing the voices of educators, working families, faith communities, and mental health advocates into the halls of power. My campaign centers on ethical leadership, equitable education funding, expanded mental health access,

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mental health care should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. As a Georgia Certified Peer Specialist, educator, and mental health advocate, I have seen firsthand how families struggle to find timely, affordable support. Long waitlists, lack of insurance coverage, and stigma keep too many people suffering in silence.

My first legislative priority is expanding mental health accessibility across Georgia by increasing community-based services, supporting crisis stabilization programs, and investing in peer support specialists who meet people where they are. Mental health care must be integrated into schools, workplaces, and local communities. When we invest in mental health and strengthen families in Gwinnett.Strong public schools are the foundation of strong communities. As an educator and school leader, I know that when we invest in our public schools, we invest in our children, our workforce, and our future. Yet too many schools are underfunded, teachers are overworked, and students lack the resources they need to succeed.

My second legislative priority is strengthening public education by advocating for equitable school funding, supporting teachers with competitive pay and resources, and ensuring every child—regardless of ZIP code—has access to safe, well-resourced learning environments. When we support our schools, we empower the next generation to thrive and keep Georgia competitive and prosperous.Strong families need economic stability to thrive. Too many working people in Georgia are doing everything right—working hard, raising families, and contributing to their communities—yet still struggling to keep up with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, childcare, and basic necessities.

My third legislative priority is strengthening economic stability for families by supporting policies that protect workers, expand access to affordable childcare, and ensure wages and opportunities keep pace with the real cost of living. When families have stability, they can focus on raising healthy children, building wealth, and contributing to vibrant communities. A strong economy must work for everyday people, not just the privileged few.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about advancing mental health policy because I have seen firsthand how deeply it impacts families, communities, and our overall well-being. As a Georgia Certified Peer Specialist, educator, and mental health advocate, I have worked closely with individuals navigating depression, trauma, suicide loss, and serious mental illness. Too many people struggle to access timely, affordable care, and stigma still prevents many from seeking help.

I am committed to policies that expand community-based services, strengthen crisis response systems, support peer specialists, and integrate mental health care into schools and workplaces. Mental health must be treated as essential health care. When we prioritize mental wellness!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Dr Sophia Khan, owner of Urgent Psych

Tera Carter, former President NAMI Gwinnett, owner of Sacred Ground Wellness