Indicted Georgia lawmaker files to run for state Senate

Sharon Henderson, a Democrat accused of pandemic unemployment fraud, wants to run for a different legislative seat.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Sharon Henderson, a Georgia state representative who was indicted on charges of stealing pandemic unemployment funds, has filed paperwork to run for a state Senate seat. Henderson, a Democrat, was suspended by the governor after her indictment, but she is now seeking to run for the Senate District 43 seat currently held by another Democrat, Tonya Anderson.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of alleged fraud related to federal pandemic unemployment benefits, with several Democratic state lawmakers across the country facing similar charges. It also raises questions about the political implications of an indicted lawmaker seeking higher office.

The details

Henderson was indicted in December on two counts of theft of government funds and 10 counts of making false statements. Prosecutors allege that in 2020, while running for her current House seat, Henderson applied for and collected over $17,000 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits by claiming a local school district as her employer at the time. After her indictment, Henderson was suspended from her House seat by the governor, but she has now filed paperwork to run for the state Senate.

  • In December 2025, Henderson was indicted on charges related to pandemic unemployment fraud.
  • In January 2026, Henderson was suspended from her state House seat by Georgia's governor.
  • In March 2026, Henderson filed paperwork to run for a state Senate seat.

The players

Sharon Henderson

A Democratic state representative in Georgia who was indicted on charges of stealing pandemic unemployment funds and has now filed to run for a state Senate seat.

Brian Kemp

The Republican governor of Georgia who suspended Henderson from her state House seat following her indictment.

Tonya Anderson

The Democratic state senator whose Senate District 43 seat Henderson is seeking to run for.

Gerald Griggs

Henderson's attorney, who has stated that she will receive due process and that the case will be litigated fully and fairly.

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What they’re saying

“We fully expect that all proceedings — both criminal and any related political or legislative actions — will afford my client the full measure of due process guaranteed by the United States Constitution.”

— Gerald Griggs, Attorney for Sharon Henderson (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

The judge presiding over Henderson's criminal case will determine whether she is allowed to remain a candidate for the state Senate seat while the charges against her are pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of alleged fraud related to pandemic unemployment benefits, as well as the complex political implications when an indicted lawmaker seeks higher office. It will be closely watched as it progresses through the legal and electoral processes.