WASHINGTON — The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is announcing 10 Spotlight candidates from Georgia who are proven fighters for their communities. These candidates represent the diversity of the South and are fighting to overcome a system designed to keep candidates from a broad background out of elected office. Demonstrating grit and perseverance, these candidates bring their deep ties to their communities and vision for a better future to legislative office.
“We are so proud to showcase these candidates as they fight for Democratic progress in the South,” said DLCC President Jessica Post. “While Georgia Republicans pass dangerous permitless carry laws and attack a woman’s right to control her own body, Democrats are pushing for transformative legislation that works for all Georgians and makes communities safer. Whether it’s pushing to expand Medicaid to save lives, increasing wages, or defending everyone’s right to vote, southern Democrats are on the front lines in the fight against Republican extremism and are working to build a better, more equitable future for the South.”
The following Spotlight candidates will be valuable assets in the state legislature and bring fresh perspectives on behalf of all Georgians:
- Mary Robichaux (GA HD-48): Mary Robichaux orchestrated the biggest upset on the Georgia ballot in 2018. Since that time, she has served two terms in the state legislature, proudly fighting to expand educational opportunities and economic growth for HD-48 and beyond. Mary, a health care management professional of more than 35 years, brings a strong commitment to making health care accessible and affordable in her run for a third term.
- Michelle Au (GA HD-50): Dr. Michelle Au, a proud daughter of Chinese immigrants, graduate of Columbia Medical School, and mother of three, followed her parents’ footsteps in pursuit of better opportunities, which led her to Georgia. Michelle is an accomplished anesthesiologist and the first Asian American woman to serve in the Georgia Senate. She has fought tirelessly for a holistic standard of health — one where every Georgian earns a living wage, has access to affordable health care, and can obtain a high-quality education.
- Kelly Coffman (GA HD-53): Dr. Kelly Coffman, a full-time psychiatrist, was inspired to run for office while pregnant with her third child. Through her lived experience and medical expertise, Kelly has seen that women too often have to choose between becoming mothers and maintaining their careers. As Republicans in Georgia are failing to support working families, Kelly is motivated by a drive to bring family-oriented policy changes to the Peach State. She will fight for fully-funded public schools and for everyone to have access to the health care they need.
- Om Duggal (GA HD-99): Om Duggal is a proud immigrant, community leader, and entrepreneur who founded a hospitality and property development business to help grow the diverse communities of Gwinnett County. Om brings his background in small business and local advocacy to his run for the House. He will fight to expand Medicaid and affordable housing for all Georgians.
- Gregg Kennard (GA HD-101): Gregg Kennard, born and raised in the greater Atlanta area, has served Gwinnett County for over 30 years as a non-profit executive director and an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and those experiencing homelessness. Gregg has been a bold leader for a better Gwinnett in his two terms in office — championing public education and ensuring that Georgia’s economy works for everyone, not just those at the top.
- Farooq Mughal (GA HD-105): Farooq Mughal, the son of immigrant parents and a public policy expert, is ready to enact meaningful change for the diverse Gwinnett County communities that helped shape him. Farooq brings substantial private sector experience to his run for House — having owned and operated a well-renowned government affairs firm for over a decade and coordinated the first Asian American Legislative Day at the Georgia Capitol.
- Jasmine Clark (GA HD-108): Inspired by her father, Dr. Jasmine Clark knew from a young age that she wanted to be a scientist. Following her dreams, she became a researcher and lecturer of microbiology at Emory University. Jasmine knows what’s at stake for Georgia’s diverse communities. As a medical researcher, she has worked to help individuals with HIV, a population that could be helped significantly by expanding Medicaid. In her two terms in office, she has leaned on her training and expertise to be a voice for medical science in the General Assembly.
- Joyce Barlow (GA HD-151): Joyce Barlow is an experienced health care professional and recent inductee into the Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame who knows first-hand what Medicaid expansion would mean for hundreds of thousands of uninsured Georgians. Joyce is fighting for a Georgia that provides care for those who need it most and ensures that all individuals and families have the resources to thrive. Joyce is ready to bring her medical expertise, 30 years of experience as a successful small business owner, and deep ties to southwest Georgia to the House.
- Josh McLaurin (GA SD-14): Josh McLaurin, a Cobb County native, has spent an accomplished two terms in the House fighting for affordable health care, better-funded public schools, and a more equitable legal system. Driven by a relentless drive for justice and opportunity for all, Josh has built a reputation as someone unafraid to take Republicans to task over power grabs or extreme policy that would hurt Georgia families.
- Josh Uddin (GA SD-48): Josh Uddin — a small business owner and leader in the immigrant community — has been an SD-48 resident for more than thirty years. Josh is bringing forward the stories and experiences of his community, focusing his campaign on quality education, expanded access to health care, and a commitment to guarantee good-paying jobs for all Georgians regardless of zip code, class, or national background.
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