Carolyn Hugley is originally from Forrest City, Arkansas. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a master's degree in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University. Carolyn lives in Columbus, Georgia, with her husband with whom she has two children and three grandchildren.

Carolyn currently serves as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives in District 141 and as House Minority Leader. She was first elected in 1992. She previously represented District 136 from 1993 to 2023. She was elected by members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus to serve as Minority Leader in 2024.

Carolyn currently works as an independent contractor and insurance agent for State Farm Insurance Company in Columbus, Georgia. She previously worked as a senior analyst with the Mississippi State Legislature's Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review and as director of planning and economic development with the Lee County Council of Governments.