Former Georgia Sen. Vincent Fort dies at 68

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ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 05: Vincent Fort speaks onstage at 2017 ONE Music Fest - Atlanta Mayoral Forum at Loudermilk Conference Center on September 5, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

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ATLANTA - Vincent Fort, the former Georgia State senator, has died at the age 68, according to the Atlanta City Council.

Fort, a Democrat who grew up in Connecticut, represented Fulton County for the 39th district from 1996 and 2017, which included parts of Atlanta, East Point, College Park, Union City and unincorporated Fulton County.

In 2001, Fort made waves in his community. Not only did he author the first hate crimes law to see harsher punishments for people who seek out their victims based on bias or prejudice, but he also authored Georgia's predatory lending law, the Georgia Fair Lending Act. It protected consumers from falling victim to abusive tactics like loan flipping, excessive fees and more. He was widely championed as a legislator for the people.

Vincent Fort, former Georgia senator, holds the Legislator of the Year plaque after being honored by the Georgia Association of Educators at the 47th Annual Spring Convention held in Macon on April 1, 2017. (Credit: Georgia General Assembly)

In April 2017, he was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Georgia Association of Educators for his work on Senate Bill 30. Though it did not pass, SB 30 would have required the Department of Education to provide more funding for schools.

"We have 1.3 million students enrolled in Georgia public schools whose futures depend on the functionality and success of the public schools they attend," former Sen. Fort said at the ceremony. "It is up to us as legislators and the leaders in education to ensure our schools are operating at the best they can be. The Georgia Association of Educators’ collaboration with me on my community schools efforts affirms the importance of practical solution-based approaches and the difference they can make."

Later that year, he ran for mayor against Keisha Lance Bottoms, but didn't give up on politics when she won.

In 2022, he also ran in Georgia's 13th congressional district race.

Fort was also a proud graduate of Central Connecticut State College and Atlanta University, known today as Clark Atlanta University.

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 05: (L-R) Mary Norwood, Kwanza Hall, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Peter Aman, John Eaves, Michael Sterling, Cathy Woolard, Vincent Fort, and Ceasar Mitchell onstage at 2017 ONE Music Fest - Atlanta Mayor Forum at Loudermilk Conferenc

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Georgia leaders mourn former Sen. Vincent Fort

Atlanta City Council

"Sen. Vincent Fort was a powerful voice for economic and racial equality with a legacy of dedication to social justice, civil rights, and advocating for our marginalized communities.  As a result of the communities he impacted, many hailed him as 'The People's Champion.' His commitment to the people will always have a profound impact on our city and state. We had the privilege of honoring him and are deeply saddened by his passing. Our prayers are with his family, and all touched by his vision for a fair society. May his memory live on through the fights and causes he championed and the lives he uplifted. We will forever remember Sen. Fort's dedication to the people."

Mayor Andre Dickens

"Vincent Fort has been my friend colleague, and advisor for nearly 12 years. He will go down in Atlanta’s history as a hero for civil, housing and human rights for all. This is a loss for too many who never knew him. My prayers are with his loved ones, his co-workers and audience and the unfortunate folks who never experienced his passion and fire for justice."

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms

"I was grateful to speak with Senator Vincent Fort nearly a week ago and tell him that I loved and appreciated him. Although we were often fiercely at odds politically, I appreciated his passion and steadfast determination to hold each of us accountable to our better selves. In his unique way, he fought valiantly on behalf of our most vulnerable communities and his legacy and love for the people of our great state will have a lasting impact. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones

"I’m sad to hear that former State Senator Vincent Fort passed away. While we were in the Senate together, we didn’t always agree on politics but I considered Vincent a good friend. He was a strong champion for his constituents and his public service will leave a lasting impact on Georgia for years to come. I was lucky to serve with him and to get to know him better. Jan and I are keeping his family, friends and former colleagues in our thoughts and prayers."

Sen. Harold Jones

"My condolences to the family and friends of Senator Vincent Fort.  He was a true fighter for Justice and Equality. He was a friend and mentor. Rest well, my friend."

Fort's cause of death was not disclosed.

Please note, this article may be updated as more information is released.