Stacey Abrams, the twice-defeated Georgia gubernatorial candidate who famously claimed her 2018 loss was “stolen,” is reportedly weighing a third run for the governor’s mansion—and not everyone in the Democratic Party is thrilled about it.
Now 51, Abrams has become something of a political icon for the progressive wing of the party, but after two failed attempts against Governor Brian Kemp—losing by a wider margin the second time around—party insiders are openly questioning whether she should step aside and let someone else take a crack at it. “She’s run twice, and that’s enough to convince me she won’t win,” said Jimmy Johnson, a former local party chair. And he’s not alone.
In 2018, Abrams came within a few points of victory, but in 2022, she backslid dramatically, losing by nearly eight points. Despite her national profile and unmatched fundraising ability, many Georgia Democrats see her as yesterday’s news. Marilyn Langford, a Democratic vice-chair, didn’t sugarcoat it: “Abrams is great, but she missed the train.”
Unlike previous cycles where the party cleared the field for her, this time it’s a free-for-all. State Senator Jason Esteves has already announced his candidacy, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is widely expected to join the race soon. And with Governor Kemp term-limited, Democrats have their first real chance in years to compete for an open seat—but many fear Abrams could squander that opportunity.
To be fair, some party veterans still admire Abrams’ ability to mobilize voters. She’s credited with helping Democrats flip both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats in 2020, thanks to aggressive voter registration efforts. But her personal brand has taken serious hits. In January, a state watchdog slapped her with a $300,000 fine over shady voter registration tactics tied to her New Georgia Project. A month later, reports surfaced that a Biden administration agency funneled $2 billion to a nonprofit linked to Abrams—despite the group reporting only $100 in revenue the previous year. Sketchy? Absolutely.
Even Abrams’ former allies are urging her to make a decision quickly. “If she chooses not to run,” said Chatham County Democratic Chair Aaron Whitely, “I hope she shares that sooner than later so we as a party can begin to vet and prepare for a primary.”
If Democrats want to be taken seriously in 2026, it might be time for Stacey Abrams to finally close the book on her gubernatorial ambitions.
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