Candidate for State House District 100 discusses growth, education and healthcare priorities

BUFORD — Jennifer Ambler, a candidate for Georgia House District 100, is seeking to represent a rapidly growing area that includes parts of Buford and surrounding communities.

In this Q&A with The North Gwinnett Voice, Ambler discusses her background, key priorities and how she plans to address issues such as growth, education and healthcare access.

Background and motivation

Q: You relocated to Georgia in 2020 and now call Forsyth County home. What led you to settle here, and how has that shaped your decision to run?
A: We moved to the Atlanta area for a change of pace — less snow and a move out of apartment living. We didn’t initially choose Forsyth County for a specific reason, but once we got here, we built strong connections and friendships. It’s a diverse and welcoming community, and that’s what made us want to stay. I want to help preserve what makes this area special while also supporting smart growth and economic opportunity.

Q: Your background includes political science, economics and entrepreneurship. How do those experiences shape your views on public policy?
A: Each plays a major role. Political science gave me a framework for understanding when government intervention is helpful and when it can be harmful. Economics helped me understand incentives and how markets function. As a business owner, I’ve experienced firsthand how policies and regulations affect both individuals and small businesses. Running a business also requires constant decision-making — prioritizing resources and focusing on what truly works.

Q: You’ve described government as a tool to help people live their best lives. What does that look like in practice?
A: People are struggling with real challenges — raising families, affording housing, accessing health care. Government can’t solve everything, but it should help address large-scale issues that affect millions. That includes making health care more accessible, supporting working families and ensuring people can afford a stable life. The exact approach can vary, but the goal should always be improving quality of life.

Professional and community experience

Q: How has running a tax preparation business shaped your understanding of economic challenges?
A: It gives you a direct look into people’s financial realities. I see when incomes drop, when mortgage costs rise and when families are struggling enough to tap into retirement savings. You can clearly see economic trends at a personal level, and it reinforces how many people are living under financial pressure.

Q: You serve as Secretary of the Forsyth County Democrats. How has that prepared you for public office?
A: It’s been a valuable experience. I help keep the organization running smoothly — managing schedules, taking minutes and contributing to strategy. It also involves listening to a wide range of perspectives and working through different viewpoints, which is essential in public office.

Q: You also have a background in musical theater and political comedy. How does that influence your communication style?
A: It helps me connect with people. I’m comfortable speaking in front of crowds and try to be genuine and engaging. I don’t feel the need to put on a “politician persona.” I want people to feel like they’re hearing from a real person.

“People are working hard, but everything feels harder — from housing to healthcare. Government should help ease those pressures.”

Key issues for District 100

Q: What are the top issues facing residents in District 100?
A: Locally, the biggest issues are traffic, housing and education. Growth is happening, and we need to plan for it. That means improving infrastructure, creating more affordable housing options and fully funding public schools to maintain quality.

Q: As a newer resident, how are you building connections with longtime community members?
A: I’ve been actively involved since shortly after moving here, including connecting with local leaders and participating in community organizations. I’ve built relationships with people who’ve lived here for decades as well as newer residents, and I’ve found that concerns are often very similar across the board.

Healthcare access

Q: What policies would you support to expand health care access?
A: Expanding Medicaid is the most important step. It would bring significant federal funding into Georgia and help stabilize the health care system. We also need to address the rising cost of private insurance.

Q: How do you respond to concerns about the cost of expansion?
A: Expanding Medicaid is actually more efficient. Right now, we’re paying into the system without receiving full benefits. Expansion would allow us to cover more people at a lower cost to the state.

Growth and infrastructure

Q: What does responsible growth look like in this region?
A: It means planning ahead — working with planners to build infrastructure that supports population growth. It also means investing in transportation and encouraging a range of housing options, including more attainable homes for young families.

Q: How would you address housing affordability?
A: We need more entry-level housing options. Too many developments start at very high price points. I’d like to see more homes in the $250,000 to $300,000 range and policies that limit large corporations from buying up residential properties.

Q: What transportation solutions do you support?
A: Expanding public transportation is key. An express bus system could be implemented more quickly and provide immediate benefits. We should also explore improvements to existing roads and invest in alternatives like bike lanes and sidewalks.

Education and economy

Q: How should the state support public education?
A: Public funds should go to public schools. Strong public education is essential to a strong economy. If schools are struggling, we should invest in fixing them — not divert resources elsewhere.

Q: How should the state balance development with protecting communities?
A: Growth is necessary, but communities should have a voice. The state should ensure development is responsible and doesn’t create major environmental or infrastructure issues, while also avoiding complete resistance to growth.

Voting and governance

Q: What changes would you advocate for in Georgia’s election system?
A: Georgia already has a strong system. Many proposed changes address problems that don’t exist. I believe we should maintain what’s working rather than creating unnecessary complications.

Q: Why do you support ranked choice voting and independent redistricting?
A: Ranked choice voting could eliminate costly runoff elections and encourage more moderate candidates. Independent redistricting is important because districts should represent communities — not be drawn for political advantage.

Values and representation

Q: How will you represent constituents with differing political views?
A: Respectfully and openly. I’ve had many productive conversations with people who disagree with me. At the end of the day, most people want the same things — stability, opportunity and a good future for their families.

Q: What does effective leadership look like in a divided environment?
A: It means being honest, respectful and willing to compromise when necessary. Progress often requires working with people who don’t agree on everything.

Closing

Q: Why should voters choose you?
A: I’m not a career politician — I’m a regular person with real-world experience. I want to serve with common sense, openness and a focus on practical solutions.

Q: What’s something voters might not know about you?
A: I try to be authentic in my campaign, but one thing people may not see is how much I enjoy performing and musical theater. It’s an important creative outlet for me.