The Friendly Face of Oklahoma on Capitol Hill

As a legislative assistant, Georgia Davies is at the heart of the political hustle and bustle on Capitol Hill in D.C. For three years, she has worked for Congressman Lucas, who represents western Oklahoma. It’s her job to listen to Oklahomans, understand their needs, and communicate their concerns to the congressman. 

Getting Up The Hill

Raised in Edmond, Georgia anticipated a career in psychology, not in politics, until she participated in Model United Nations in high school. Enlightened by the people skills needed in politics, Georgia enrolled in a political science degree, with a minor in psychology. 

A key experience for Georgia during college was an internship with Oklahoma Senator Adam Pugh. She spent a semester at the State Capitol observing how government operated, reading bills, and attending meetings with Senator Pugh. 

“I sat in on so many conversations with business leaders and educators talking about what mattered to them,” Georgia said. “I learned that different parts of Oklahoma have different priorities.”

Georgia next applied for a summer job with Congressman Lucas, which she describes as the most transformative summer of her life. Before graduating, she emailed his office again in hopes of returning to The Hill. She was offered a job the next day!

The Fast and Slow on The Hill

Georgia’s work with the congressional staff is fulfilling, but fast-paced. She makes the daily mass commute on the metro with everyone wearing business clothes, with women carrying their high heels to the office. During legislative session, it’s a marathon of 30-minute meetings, which she then summarizes for Congressman Lucas. 

“My job is to talk to real Oklahomans all day long to learn what matters back home,” Georgia said. “Congressman Lucas might be heading across town to discuss a farm bill, so I hop in the car and brief him on the way about what I’m hearing from constituents.” 

Georgia also assists in tracking the congressman’s schedule, researching bills, and attending various networking receptions, which could even lead to a midnight vote. After the session, things calm down a bit, with fewer meetings and more time to catch up on topics—but the networking never stops. 

The Prairie Pace

Georgia’s life in D.C. is significantly different from her Edmond upbringing—and she appreciates both. For starters, social activities are conducted in different ways. In Edmond, Georgia remembers going to football games, rodeos, and driving with friends along the backroads. In D.C., individuals gather at national landmarks for group walks. “D.C. is forged on connections. People are converging from all over the world, trying to make friends. I’ve met a lot of people by joining co-ed sports leagues, and D.C. offers a robust cultural restaurant scene,” Georgia said, “but I didn’t know how much I loved Oklahoma until I left. I really miss Oklahoma sunsets and the small-town feel of downtown Edmond.” 

In some ways, Georgia feels more connected to her home state than before she left. She’s constantly engaged in conversation with Oklahomans, and the non-Oklahomans often comment on her bubbly, down-home friendliness. 

“I always say, ‘Thank you so much,’ after a barista hands me my coffee. My friends say, ‘You don’t have to do that here.’ But, of course, I do! I wouldn’t dream of not saying thank you when someone helps me or holds the elevator door. I guess you can take the girl out of Edmond, but you can’t take Edmond out of the girl.”

Georgia enjoys her visits home, but she believes that as she continues to prove herself, she will continue to advance up the legislative ladder. “I’m so fortunate to work for Congressman Lucas. He’s so wise and respected.”