You might have seen the name popping up on yard signs or across Georgia political circles lately. So, who is Tori Branum? To put it simply, she isn't your typical career politician. In fact, she’s spent a good chunk of her life far away from the halls of government.
Honestly, her story starts in Marlow, Oklahoma, but it really takes shape in the U.S. Marine Corps. She enlisted at 19, and get this—she was actually terrified of guns at first. Most people don’t know that. She almost cried the first time she handled a weapon because she’d never touched one before. But she didn't just get over it; she crushed it. Branum ended up shooting expert five years in a row and became a Primary Marksmanship Instructor while stationed in Japan.
That "honor, courage, commitment" vibe isn't just a campaign slogan for her. It's basically how she’s lived since 1996.
From the Range to the Ballot Box
After serving eight years in the Marines (1996–2004), Branum didn't just settle into a quiet retirement. She eventually moved to Laurens County, Georgia, where she noticed something that bothered her. She kept seeing news reports about women being victims of crime.
Her response? She opened a shooting range in her own backyard.
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She started Middle Georgia Female Firearms Trainings because she wanted to help women use their instincts and have a safety plan. If you've ever heard her talk about it, she often references the book The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. It’s kinda her go-to recommendation for anyone looking to understand situational awareness.
Why She's Running for Office
Branum first caught major attention when she ran as a Republican for the Georgia State Senate (District 20) in 2024. Now, she’s set her sights on the U.S. House to represent Georgia's 12th Congressional District for the 2026 election.
She’s part of a wave of "citizen legislators" who think professional politicians have been in D.C. for way too long. She was actually the first candidate in her race to sign the U.S. Term Limits pledge. Basically, she’s promising to vote for an amendment that limits House members to three terms and Senators to two.
Her platform is pretty clear-cut:
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- Pro-Second Amendment: She believes the only people who should be restricted from guns are felons.
- Education: She’s big on trade schools. She’s famously said that college isn't the best path for everyone and wants high schools to push skilled trades more.
- Safety: She advocates for firearm safety education to be taught to high school freshmen.
What Really Drives Her?
If you listen to her interviews, she doesn't sound like a scripted talking head. She’s an educator and a small business owner. She’s also a mom who’s pretty open about not wanting to leave a "mess" for her kids.
She’s got a BA in Psychology from American Military University (class of 2013), which probably helps when she’s teaching people how to manage their nerves on a firing range or navigating the high-stress world of Georgia primaries.
One thing people get wrong is thinking she's just another "Republican in Name Only" (RINO). She’s actually built her whole brand on being a "real conservative." She’s very vocal about things like religious liberty—arguing that the government should never have the power to close churches—and she’s a staunch supporter of Israel, citing her own Baptist faith as a cornerstone of her world view.
The 2026 Outlook
So, what's next? Branum is officially in the running for the November 3, 2026, general election. She’s leaning hard into her background as a veteran and a business owner to differentiate herself from the pack.
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She isn't just talking about policy; she's talking about the "Marine Corps motto" of integrity. Whether she’s discussing the Chinese Communist Party's influence on the pharmaceutical supply chain or pushing for higher pay for first responders, she keeps it pretty direct.
Actionable Insights for Georgia Voters
If you’re following the 12th District race or just trying to keep up with local Georgia politics, here is what you should keep an eye on regarding Tori Branum:
- Watch the Term Limits Debate: This is her "hill to die on." If this issue matters to you, she’s likely the candidate most aligned with that specific goal.
- Check the Endorsements: As we get closer to 2026, keep an eye on whether local veteran groups or firearms associations officially back her campaign.
- Local Events: Branum is known for being active in Laurens County. If you’re in Middle Georgia, her firearms safety classes are still a major part of her community presence.
She’s a fascinating example of how military service can translate into a very specific kind of political "outsider" energy. Whether she wins or loses in 2026, she’s already shifted the conversation in Georgia toward term limits and practical vocational education.