*The fact that we are currently waiting on pins and needles to hear the result of Georgia’s ballot count is in large part a testament to the blood, sweat and tears shed by former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and her war on voter suppression. The race was not supposed to be this close.
Abrams’ “Fair Fight” organization – inspired by the voter suppression that led to her narrow 2018 gubernatorial defeat to then secretary of state Brian Kemp (a Republican who, by law, also oversaw the election) – had raised $32 million by October 2020. Most of that money went directly to state Democratic parties with the sole intent of increasing registration and grassroots organization. The group has also spearheaded lawsuits against voter suppression tactics during the 2020 election and lobbied for state and federal legislation that would expand voting rights.
Georgia’s purpleness is also a testament to progressive organizing efforts for the past decade in the Peach State. Because of Abrams and the work of Fair Fight 2020, Republican Sen. David Perdue’s vote tally against Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff has dwindled to 50% at the time of this story, threatening the need for a runoff. The state’s other senate race between Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock is already scheduled for a runoff on Jan. 5.
And Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden continues to close in on President Trump in the state, 49.2% to 49.5% at last count, with 99% of the vote locked in.
Down ballot races are also benefiting.
Per USA TODAY:
• Once-Republican strongholds, such as Cobb and Gwinnett counties, have become favorable ground for Democrats as they’ve diversified.
• Georgia’s 6th district, which once reliably sent Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich to Congress, reelected Democrat Lucy McBath on Tuesday, a Black woman whose son was shot to death by a white vigilante in Florida in 2012.
• Georgia’s 7th district, which encompasses much of Gwinnett, remains too close to call. Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux slightly leads Republican Rich McCormick by 2.4% with only Democratic-leaning mail-in-ballots left to be counted. Bourdeaux has declared victory, though The Associated Press and other outlets have not yet called the race.
Folks are now taking to Twitter with gratitude toward Abrams and her ground work.
Whatever happens in Georgia, everyone should get on their knees and thank strong Black women like the fearless @staceyabrams and so many who slog away without appreciation—and then we should pass real policies that benefit them. This all may come down to Georgia & Arizona.
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) November 5, 2020
The fact that Georgia is basically a toss up right now is…just stunning. Speaks to the work, activism and organization of Black voters and @staceyabrams‘s leadership in particular.
— Wajahat “Wears a Mask Because of a Pandemic” Ali (@WajahatAli) November 5, 2020
what we are witnessing in georgia is the manifestation of your brilliance, your grace, your strength, your courage, your faith your heart. thank you, @staceyabrams you are the best of the south.
y’all put some respect on
HER NAME. pic.twitter.com/hZs6ONLfsO— adia victoria (@adiavictoria) November 5, 2020
Stacey Abrams lost Georgia’s top election and instead of resting she created a whole organization to combat the very reason she lost and led Georgia to record voter participation. A BADDIE.
— It’s Detroit Blue ✨ (@CeeWorlds) November 5, 2020
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