Jett joins the GOP; Democrats lose majority on House taxation committee

Rep. Joe Jett of Success on Friday became the third House Democrat to switch to the Republican Party since the Nov. 8 election.

The move means Democrats no longer have a majority on the House Revenue and Taxation Committee of the next General Assembly. When the committee meets during the regular session that starts Jan. 9, it will have 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats.

Jett did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but released a statement. House Speaker Jeremy Gillam, R-Judsonia, and Minority Leader Michael John Gray, D-Augusta, confirmed the news in interviews Friday.

"This is not a decision I made lightly," Jett said in his statement. "I have given this a considerable amount of time, thought and prayer. I was encouraged to move forward after meeting with constituents throughout District 56."

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