WASHINGTON — With just over two months until Election Day, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is rolling out its first slate of Georgia spotlight candidates. Republican extremism is dragging candidates down at all levels of the ballot this year, and Democrats are poised to make gains in districts across the state.
“The events of this year, from mismanaging a pandemic to embracing conspiracy theories, proves that Georgia Republicans are unfit to govern,” said DLCC President Jessica Post. “And the contrast could not be clearer: We have an incredible group of leaders who stand ready to fight for their communities in the legislature. Georgians are tired of extremism and are going to hold Republicans accountable this November.”
After flipping over a dozen seats in 2018, Democrats are poised to make further gains this year as Republicans’ toxic unpopularity repels voters across the state and country. Mismanagement has left the state facing one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the country, and in recent weeks Georgia Republicans have taken extremism to a whole new level, embracing conspiracy-mongering candidates in primaries.
The DLCC’s 22 Spotlight Candidates in the Peach State are a dynamic group of educators, activists, and community leaders. These hardworking Georgians are set to make significant gains in the state House and deliver a blow to the entrenched GOP leadership:
- Kyle Rinaudo (HD-35), a millennial teacher who is running to strengthen public education, expand health care, and protect Georgia’s environment, Kyle is fighting tirelessly to defeat an extremist GOP legislator.
- Luisa Wakeman (HD-43), a cardiac intensive care nurse who came within 800 votes of flipping her district in 2018, Luisa is running again because she believes that now is the time to vote out divisive politicians and fight for the future of Georgia.
- Connie Di Cicco (HD-44), a dedicated staffer for the state legislature who is ready to use her experience to deliver results for her community and secure progress for everyday Georgians.
- Sara Tindall Ghazal (HD-45), an eighth-generation Georgian who has devoted her life to protecting democracy at home and abroad, Sara is running because Georgia needs new leadership that will work towards a brighter future for its children — not corporate interests.
- Anthia Owens Carter (HD-47), a small-business owner and health care worker who has spent her time mentoring and serving others and is determined to bring that leadership to the state House.
- Dr. Jason Hayes (HD-49), a physician who is devoted to uplifting those around him, Jason is focusing on the issues that matter most to his community: advocating for small businesses, securing quality health care, and providing high-quality education for children across Georgia.
- Shea Roberts (HD-52), a determined community activist who almost flipped this red seat blue in 2018, Shea is running again because she believes that Georgia needs leaders who reflect its shared values and who will work to make the state a place where everyone can thrive.
- William Harris (HD-73), a working-class Georgian who is fighting for a more representative state government, William is determined to defeat an entrenched Republican incumbent and ignite progress in the Peach State.
- Mary Blackmon Campbell (HD-97), a small-business owner and community activist who is running to stand up for commonsense issues — gender equality, affordable health care, women’s rights — because Georgians can’t wait any longer.
- Nakita Hemingway (HD-104), an entrepreneur and farmer who is running to bring her expertise to the state House and find solutions that work for Georgia’s families.
- Dr. Rebecca Mitchell (HD-106), a respected public health scientist who is passionate about crafting solution-oriented policies and refuses to let Georgia’s health decisions and economic recovery be determined by only one party.
- Regina Lewis-Ward (HD-109), a former councilwoman who is running to give her district a representative who will actually listen and deliver solutions on the issues they care most about.
- Ebony Carter (HD-110), a first-generation college graduate who believes that Georgia’s families deserve a representative who understands their needs and will fight for them every step of the way in the state legislature.
- Mokah Jasmine Johnson (HD-117), an experienced activist and educator who is committed to bringing bold progress and fearless leadership to the Georgia legislature.
- Jonathan Wallace (HD-119), a proven leader who flipped this seat in a 2017 special election and is running to reclaim this district and put his fellow Georgians first.
- Marc Arnett (HD-138), a community leader who is running to be a voice for families that have been left by the wayside and give them a representative that truly cares about their issues, Marc is pledging to build a bridge that will connect Georgia’s families to a better, more prosperous future.
- Quentin T. Howell (HD-145), a local business owner who is fighting alongside community activists for racial justice and civil rights, Quentin is centering his campaign on the people and is fighting diligently to deliver positive change to his community.
- Stephen Baughier (HD-147), a small-business owner and veteran who is determined to ensure that every Georgian has access to opportunities that allow them to succeed, Stephen is stepping up to run for office to build a healthier, more prosperous Georgia.
- Joyce Barlow (HD-151), an experienced nurse who is ready to get at the heart of what’s ailing Georgia, Joyce will fight for policies that will ensure every Georgian can fulfill their most ambitious dreams.
- Marcus Thompson (HD-164), a staunch health care advocate who is running to unseat a radical GOP lawmaker, Marcus is determined to put partisan politics and special interests aside to build a government that works for all Georgians.
- Booker Gainor (HD-173), the first African American mayor of Cairo, GA, Booker has spent his adult life ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice at the table and is running to break the cycle of extreme GOP partisanship and finally usher in generational change for Georgia’s working families.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the official Democratic organization dedicated to winning state legislative seats. Earlier this year, the DLCC unveiled its unprecedented $50 million campaign to “Flip Everything” this November. Since Trump’s election, the DLCC and state partners have flipped over 450 seats and 10 chambers from red to blue.
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