Statement from Democratic Party of Georgia Chair, Congresswoman Nikema Williams

During tonight’s Georgia gubernatorial debate, Brian Kemp stuck to his strategy of dodging questions and misleading voters on his extreme agenda and dangerous record. Kemp doubled down on his commitment to extremist policies that are detrimental to our state’s economy and public safety, and to Georgians’ reproductive rights, access to health care, and freedom to vote. The Democratic Party of Georgia released the following statement in response:

“Stacey Abrams is the clear winner of tonight’s debate — she shared thoughtful plans to deliver tangible solutions for Georgians on education, health care, and affordable housing, to keep our communities safe, and to build a state where we all have the opportunity to thrive.

“Brian Kemp continued misleading voters on his dangerous agenda. While violent crime rises, Kemp wants voters to believe he’s done a good job keeping us safe. As hospitals close and more than two-thirds of Georgians struggle to afford health care, Kemp continues blocking Medicaid expansion.

“Kemp’s extreme agenda that risks our safety and economy, keeps our health care costs high, and rolls back our freedoms is the problem we’re facing here in Georgia — and Stacey Abrams is the solution,” asserted Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

More on Brian Kemp’s extreme agenda and dangerous record:

• Loosening Gun Safety Laws: Kemp signed a dangerous permitless carry bill into law that made it easier for criminals to carry guns in public by getting rid of the background check for concealed carry. Because background checks are not required for private gun sales, “oftentimes permit applications are the first time a check is required.” Kemp signed the law despite broad opposition, with polls showing 70% of Georgians were against it and major concerns from law enforcement.

• Extreme 6-Week Abortion Ban: Kemp mandated a ban on abortion at just six weeks, before many women know they’re pregnant — the extreme law essentially limits the ability of women seeking an abortion to just 2 weeks, effectivley outlawing “most abortion in Georgia.” New polling shows Georgians overwhelmingly oppose Kemp’s mandate that restricts reproductive freedom: 62% oppose Kemp’s abortion law – and 55% strongly oppose the ban.

• Health Care Crisis: As Georgians brace for another devastating hospital closure — the sixth to close on Kemp’s watch — he’s doubling down on his stubborn refusal to expand Medicaid, blocking access to health coverage for more than half a million Georgians, preventing the creation of over 64,000 jobs, and leaving more rural hospitals in danger of closing. More than 1.5 million Georgians lack health insurance coverage.

• Crime and Public Safety: Kemp attempts to mislead Georgians into believing he’s successfully taken on crime. But as recently as April, Kemp was already confessing there’s been a “rise in crime we’ve been facing in many communities across Georgia” on his watch. According to FBI crime data, “homicides jumped 55%” in Georgia from 2019-2020, while violent crime rose by 23% and assaults by 33%. Georgia now has the 10th highest murder rate in the U.S. — over 80% of homicides involve a gun in the state.

• Georgia’s Economy: Kemp tries to take credit for Georgia’s economy and the billions in surplus funds the state is currently sitting on. But he won’t mention Democrats’ American Rescue Plan, which he opposed even as it delivered billions to Georgia, boosting state revenues and the state budget. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia’s budget is fueled by “massive federal COVID-19 relief funding.”

• Architect of Voter Suppression: As Secretary of State, Kemp oversaw 1.4 million voter registrations canceled — nearly 670,000 registrations were canceled in 2017 and low-income and minority Georgians were most likely to be impacted. Kemp put 53,000 voter registrations on hold just before the 2018 election — nearly 70% were Black voters. After Kemp encouraged voting location closures, Georgia closed higher percentages of locations than any other state — Black voters made up a significant percentage of the population in several of the top counties where polls were closed.

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