Janice Frey Van Ness

JaNice Van Ness (also spelled JaNice VanNess) is an American politician who served as a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2015 to 2017, representing the 43rd district, which includes parts of Rockdale County, Newton County, and Dekalb County.

In 2015, Van Ness, a Republican, ran for office in District 43 which was vacant due to the resignation of Ronald Ramsey. She narrowly defeated her opponent, Democrat Tonya Anderson, in a run-off election that took place on December 1, 2015.

In the November 2016 general election, Van Ness had a rematch with Anderson, which resulted in Van Ness' defeat.

Prior to serving in the state senate, Van Ness was a Rockdale County Commissioner for eight years, serving two terms. In 2014, she was defeated in a re-election bid by Doreen Williams (D).

In 2024, Van Ness ran as a Democrat for Rockdale County Chairman. She advanced to a June runoff election in which she defeated the incumbent. Van Ness also founded private schools in Rockdale and Newton County, called Peachtree Academy.

On January 8, 2025, Van Ness was sworn-in as the Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Rockdale County, having campaigned as a Democratic candidate.