Gary Horlacher is an innovator. He is a person who wants to alter the current paradigm that controls our government and public discourse. Who wants to change the direction of politics in our state by offering creative solutions, a genuine willingness to listen, and a passion and determination to restore a bond of trust between citizens and government.
    Gary is an attorney who has worked both in government and the private sector. He was born in Fort Lauderdale Florida, the son of Doris and William Horlacher (a true American hero who flew 110 missions as a fighter/bomber pilot in World War II, including D-Day, and earned the distinguished-flying-cross medal). Raised in Fayette County, Gary graduated as the STAR student of Fayette County High School, where he also played basketball, ran track and earned a spot in the State Finals in the mile. The first in his family to go to college, Gary attended the University of Georgia where he also earned a track scholarship and qualified to compete in the half-mile in the SEC Championship. Gary graduated with a degree in Political Science and immediately began his pursuit of public service by earning a legislative internship from UGA. He went on to earn his law degree from Georgia State University and upon graduating, served as the Legal Aide for the House Judiciary Committee in the Georgia General Assembly.
    Gary began his public service career as the Assistant Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. In this capacity, he was responsible for handling all the public policy, media and legislative issues for one of the state’s largest agencies. He went on to serve as the Manager of Government Relations for Oglethorpe Power and the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, and as the Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Home Health Agencies.  He also worked for three years as a small-business owner, managing a children's clothing and furniture store alongside his wife, Teresa.
    Gary has been active in politics in virtually every election cycle since high school. He managed statewide campaigns for Lieutenant Governor and Labor Commissioner, and participated in numerous other campaigns including Governor Roy Barnes’ successful 1998 campaign and Mayor Shirley Franklin’s successful 2001 race. After serving as Press Secretary and Spokesperson for the ’98 Barnes campaign and the initial portion of his administration, he resumed his career in the private sector.  
    For the past nine years, Gary has practiced law. First at Alston & Bird, among the nation’s top law firms, where, as a member of the Legislative and Public Policy Practice Group, he represented clients on issues relating to healthcare, technology, the environment, ethics, state election law, and many other areas. He also represented, on a pro bono basis, Mr. Robert Clark who was sent to prison for 23 years for a crime he did not commit. After being exonerated through DNA and released, he helped Mr. Clark obtain $1.2 million in compensation from the State. Gary is now a Partner at the law firm Adorno & Yoss which is the largest certified minority-owned law firm in the country.
    Gary and his wife of thirty-two years, Teresa, are the very proud parents of three: Matthew, Caroline and Katie. They are members of the Peachtree City United Methodist Church. Gary has been actively involved in community activities as a youth basketball and soccer coach, and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity projects. His most passionate community contribution is the Red Cross blood donation program where he has personally contributed 73 pints.