State Rep. Lester Jackson of Savannah was elected in 2008 as State Senator for Georgia's District 2. He will take office when the 2009 legislative session convenes Jan. 12.

At the end of the 2008 legislative session, Jackson was selected by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus as its Legislator of the Year because of Jackson 's ongoing effort to improve access to health care, support our public schools and make our neighborhoods safer."

Jackson, a Savannah family dentist, was first elected to the state legislature in 1998. He was named Georgia 's Freshman Legislator of the Year in 1999. In 2003-04, he served as vice chairman of the House Health & Human Services Committee, chairman of the Health Professions Subcommittee, was a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and served as Assistant House Majority Whip.

Presently, Jackson serves on more committees than any other House Democrat. He is a member of the Health & Human Services, Banks & Banking, Higher Education, Insurance and Special Certificate of Need committees.

A lifelong resident of Savannah and a product of Chatham County schools, Jackson received the Savannah Community Service Award for legislation bringing tax reform to the Savannah area. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and a life member of the NAACP. He and his wife, Dr. Lorna Jackson, have four children.

Senate District 2 encompasses much of the City of Savannah and northern Chatham County .