Jason Tanner

Jason Tanner served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 to 2005. Tanner graduated from Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School. Tanner earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in 1998. Tanner's career experience includes working as a technology professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Jason leads by a simple principle: "Service Above Self"

This commitment is a family legacy, with military service dating back to the Civil War. Raised in a working-class household in Fort Oglethorpe GA, Jason learned the values of hard work from his parents; a chicken plant employee and a truck driver. Their example instilled in him a conviction that elected leaders must stand up for working people.

After high school, Jason enlisted in the Marine Corps, beginning a twelve-year career and eventually reaching the rank of Captain. A decorated wartime veteran, Jason deployed during the Iraq War, always focused on the mission and the Marines he served with.

Jason continued his service as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, supporting protective missions for national leaders and catapulting his later career in to a near two decade vocation in digital forensics. Today, as Director of Forensics for the Social Media Victims Law Center, he works tirelessly to hold "Big Tech" accountable and protect child victims of online exploitation and abuse.

Jason is running for State Representative to bring this record of competence and accountability to District 20. He is ready to defend the middle class and serve as the "new face of leadership" for Cherokee County.

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?

Jason believes public office was never meant to be a career, it was meant to be a responsibility. Too often, leaders spend so long in politics that they lose sight of the people who put them there, trading service for loyalty to a political tribe. Jason believes government works best when representatives remember who they answer to: the citizens of their community. Leadership should be measured by integrity, accountability, and a willingness to listen; not by party lines or political ambition. Jason is stepping forward because he believes Cherokee County deserves representation that puts people before politics and service above self, always remembering that elected officials are chosen to serve their neighbors, not a political machine.Jason believes effective representation is built on solving problems, not fueling partisan conflict. In his career in digital forensics and eDiscovery, Jason has been trusted to tackle complex challenges where facts, evidence, and results, not ideology, determine success. That experience shaped his belief that government works best when leaders focus on solutions that improve everyday life for the people they serve. Jason is running for the Georgia House to bring that same results-driven mindset to his role as a representative, focusing on the issues that matter most to Cherokee County: strong schools, responsible tax policy, and safe communities. For Jason, leadership means listening, analyzing the facts, and delivering results.Cherokee County is growing rapidly, and Jason believes that growth demands leadership focused on the future, not the political battles of the past. As our community evolves, our challenges and opportunities will require thoughtful planning, transparency, and a commitment to responsible leadership. Jason believes District 20 deserves representation that is forward-looking, practical, and prepared to meet the needs of a changing community. He is committed to helping ensure Cherokee County remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and neighborhoods remain safe and strong. Jason is stepping forward to provide the accountable, future-focused leadership our community deserves.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Through his work as Director of Forensics at the Social Media Victims Law Center, Jason Tanner sees firsthand how unregulated social media platforms can harm young people. Online exploitation, predatory behavior, and dangerous algorithms are threats facing families every day. Jason believes protecting Georgia’s youth in the digital world is not just a policy challenge, it is a mandatory responsibility. He is committed to fighting for stronger safeguards that hold technology companies accountable and give parents the tools they need to protect their children. Jason believes our laws must evolve with technology so that Georgia’s families can feel confident their children are safer growing up in an increasingly connected world.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Vote Vets, Chris Harden for Congress.