The Georgia political scene was shocked by the sudden death of Tish Naghise, a first-term Democratic member of the state House of Representatives, on March 8, 2023. Naghise, who represented District 68, which includes parts of Fulton and Fayette counties, died at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta after being hospitalized for several days. The cause of her death was not disclosed, leaving many questions and speculations about what happened to the 59-year-old lawmaker.
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A Passionate and Dedicated Public Servant
Naghise was born in Atlanta and was of Nigerian descent. She earned an associate degree from Atlanta Metropolitan State College in 2006, a bachelor’s degree in 2010 and a graduate degree from Clayton State University in 2022. She worked as a paralegal, a fraud examiner and a co-owner of a trucking company before entering politics.
Naghise became involved in Democratic politics when Barack Obama ran for president in 2008 and 2012. She was a local team leader for his campaigns and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2020. She also worked as a field organizer for the Democratic Party of Georgia in 2016 and for Jon Ossoff’s campaign in the 2017 special election for Georgia’s 6th congressional district. She was an engagement organizer for Georgia Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group, before making her first run for office in 2022.
Naghise won the Democratic primary for House District 68, which was redrawn after the 2020 census, and defeated Republican challenger Michael Murphy in the general election. She took office on January 9, 2023, and served on the committees for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, and Human Relations and Aging.
Naghise was described by her colleagues and friends as an “extraordinary servant leader”, a “multifaceted leader”, a “champion networker” and a “fountain of energy” who was deeply passionate about fighting for the greater good. She advocated for issues such as health care, education, voting rights, environmental justice and economic development.
A Mysterious Illness and a Tragic Loss
Naghise’s death came as a shock to many who knew her and admired her work. She had been participating in her first legislative session when she became ill and was hospitalized. The details of her illness and the cause of her death were not made public, leaving many to wonder what happened to her.
Some speculated that she might have contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that has killed more than half a million people in the United States since early 2020. However, there was no confirmation or denial of this possibility from her family or her office.
Others wondered if she might have suffered from some underlying health condition that was unknown or undiagnosed. However, there was no indication that she had any preexisting medical issues that could have contributed to her death.
The lack of information about Naghise’s cause of death also raised questions about whether there was any foul play involved. Some pointed out that she was one of several prominent Democrats who had died unexpectedly in recent years, such as Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Elijah Cummings and Congressman Alcee Hastings. However, there was no evidence or allegation of any criminal or malicious act that could have caused her death.
Naghise’s family and office did not release any statement about her cause of death or the circumstances surrounding it. They only asked for privacy and respect during their time of grief. They also thanked everyone who had expressed their condolences and support.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Naghise’s death left a void in the Georgia House of Representatives and the Democratic Party. She was one of eight Nigerian-Americans who won seats in various levels of government in the 2022 midterm elections, making history as part of the most diverse Congress ever. She was also one of the few women of color who served in the state legislature.
Naghise’s colleagues and constituents paid tribute to her life and legacy by honoring her achievements and remembering her contributions. They praised her as a trailblazer, a mentor, a friend and a role model who inspired others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.
Naghise’s funeral was held on March 15, 2023, at Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta. Among those who attended were Governor Brian Kemp, House Speaker Jon Burns, House Minority Leader James Beverly, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, U.S. Representative Nikema Williams and former President Barack Obama.
Naghise is survived by her husband Charles, her son Charles Jr., her daughter-in-law Ashley and her grandson Charles III. She was preceded in death by her son Christopher.
According to The Citizen, Naghise’s seat will be filled by a special election that will be held within 60 days of her death. The winner will serve the remainder of her term, which ends in January 2025.
