Scott Hilton (politician)
Scott Hilton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1979 |
| Occupation(s) | Real estate investment leader, politician |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Known for | Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 48th District |
Scott Hilton is a real estate investment leader and public official serving Georgia's 48th District in the Georgia House of Representatives. His constituency includes residents of Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek, and Roswell. Within the legislature, Hilton holds the position of vice chair on the House Education Committee, where he champions initiatives related to education reform, safeguarding minors on social media platforms, and enhancing support for Georgians with disabilities. He also acts as vice chair of the House Creative Arts and Entertainment Committee, playing a key role in advancing legislation concerning film tax credits.
Education and career
Hilton graduated with honors from Georgetown University in 2002, earning a bachelor's degree focused on finance and international business, complemented by a psychology minor. He furthered his education by completing an accelerated MBA program at Emory University in 2006.
Between 2006 and 2016, Hilton held the role of senior vice president at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In 2016, he transitioned to SunTrust Banks (now Truist Financial) as senior vice president of commercial banking. From March 2021 until January 2024, he served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at SouthState Bank. Presently, Hilton is the Managing Director at High Peak Capital.
Georgia House of Representatives
Hilton was elected without opposition on November 8, 2016, as a Republican representative for District 95 in the Georgia House of Representatives, officially taking office on January 9, 2017. He was defeated in the November 2018 election for District 95 by Beth Moore, receiving 48.60% of the vote.
Returning to legislative service on November 8, 2022, Hilton won the seat for District 48 with 54.3% support against Democrat Mary Robichaux and was sworn in on January 9, 2023. He secured reelection on November 5, 2024, defeating Democrat Laura Murvartian with 54.9% of the vote.
Throughout his tenure, Hilton has introduced or backed numerous bills covering diverse policy areas while maintaining affiliation with the Republican Party. Additionally, he served as executive director of the Georgians First Commission under Governor Brian Kemp, who provided full endorsement for Hilton’s 2024 reelection bid.
Political views and legislation
Hilton supported measures to reduce Georgia’s income tax rate, increase compensation for state law enforcement personnel, boost funding for eligible private educational institutions, and enhance public education alongside school safety initiatives.
As vice chair of the House Education Committee, he promoted the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, a voucher scheme aimed at private school attendance; however, this bill was introduced by other legislators. Some critics contend that the proposed $6,500 voucher may fall short of covering full private school tuition costs. Hilton also sponsored Senate Bill 351, which prohibits social media use on school-issued devices to foster better classroom concentration.
He successfully passed legislation aimed at raising wages for people with disabilities and establishing protections regarding hearsay evidence in assault cases.
Hilton advocated for laws limiting restrictions imposed by ticket venues on resale practices to improve consumer options and reduce costs—a response to concerns about Ticketmaster’s resale policies.
He spearheaded a bipartisan resolution affirming access to in vitro fertilization services within Georgia and voted in favor of the 2019 "Heartbeat Bill."
Furthermore, Hilton sponsored several bills regulating water-related activities to enhance safety standards and prevent accidents.
Personal life
Scott and his wife, Meredith, make their home in Peachtree Corners alongside their three children. Meredith runs a local legal practice with a focus on wills and trusts. The family actively participates in Perimeter Church located in Johns Creek. Scott serves in leadership capacities at the Fowler Family YMCA, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and Wesleyan School.