Senator David Shafer, a Republican, was first elected to the Georgia Senate in 2002. He represents Senate District 48, which includes portions of Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Senator Shafer is the immediate past President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Senator Shafer served as an administration floor leader for Governor Sonny Perdue. Senator Shafer has has served terms as vice chairman of the Gwinnett County Library System Board of Trustees and as a member on the former Gwinnett Forsyth Regional Library System Board of Trustees. Senator Shafer was the Executive Director of the Georgia Republican Party in the early 1990's. In 1996, Senator Shafer was nominated to be the Republican candidate in a special statewide election for Secretary of State. Raised in DeKalb County, Senator Shafer was educated in DeKalb County Public Schools. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia.He has made Gwinnett County his home since graduating from college. He lives in Duluth with his wife Lee, stepson J.W. and daughter Ellie.