Democratic Party of Georgia

Help Move Georgia Forward

DPG Statement on Georgia State Legislative Races

Release:  Wednesday, December 6, 2017   

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement.

“In less than the span of a month, Georgia Democratic candidates and voters made history again. We have more firsts, fresh faces of the next generation of Democrats, and reasons to celebrate.

“I want to personally congratulate our First Vice Chair and the new senator from the 39th, Nikema Williams. Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching this bright mind make our Party a better one. And now the State Senate has the influential voice for the voiceless the DPG has cherished for years. We are so proud.

“Joining her is the new senator from the 6th, Jen Jordan—who officially broke the GOP supermajority in the State Senate. When Democrats talk about our values, it’s not just some talking point. We talk about our values because our values define our mission and purpose. Jen Jordan boldly championed our Democratic values and will now take those standards to the Gold Dome.

“History was made last night when Bee Nguyen was elected as the next representative from the 89th and became the first Vietnamese-American state legislator in Georgia. Another unabashed advocate for progressive causes, Bee will bring a much-needed perspective to the State House. She will be joined by the new representative from the 60th, Kim Schofield. An accomplished community leader and healthcare advocate, Georgia Democrats have another voice to fight for Medicaid expansion in our state.

“There’s a theme here. Four new public servants—all of them women. In these times, it is encouraging to know that voters want progressive leaders who believe in strengthening middle class families and expanding opportunity for everyone. Women have lead the resistance, and our future victories will be actualized because women are at the core of our Party.

“We’re already back to work in preparation for the host of elections ahead in 2018. This joy in our hearts will only flourish when, seat by seat, Georgia Democrats shift the majority back to where it always belonged. With us.”

###

Statement on Trump’s Executive Order to Sabotage Health Care

Release:  Friday, October 13, 2017

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s executive order to sabotage the health care marketplace.

“With this executive order, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have made crystal clear the fact that they do not care about the collateral damage—Georgia’s families—in their quest to dismantle a bill that is actually saving lives. The ACA is working, yet Trump is undermining the insurance marketplace—while chipping away at President Obama’s legacy—to score political points with the Republican Party’s base. Democrats believe health care is a human right, not a privilege. To truly improve the quality of life for all Georgians, we call on the GOP to work with Democrats to craft policies that strengthen the security found in quality affordable healthcare.”

Late Thursday evening, the Trump Administration announced the decision to cut ACA subsidies—known as cost-sharing reduction subsidies or CSRs—that reduce the cost of health care for millions of Georgians.

From The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities:

Stopping cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments to insurers under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as President Trump has repeatedly threatened, would drive up federal marketplace subsidy costs, raise premiums, cause more insurers to withdraw from the marketplaces, and increase the number of uninsured next year, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found today. Key findings include:

  • Stopping CSR payments would raise federal budget deficits by $6 billion in 2018 and $194 billion over the next ten years, relative to current law, due to increased costs for the ACA’s premium tax credits for low- and moderate-income people to offset their rising premiums (see below).
  • Marketplace premiums for “silver-level” plans would rise by 20 percent, on average, in 2018. Premiums for such plans would be 25 percent higher in 2020 and thereafter, relative to current law.
  • Marketplace insurers in some states would withdraw from or not enter the marketplaces in 2018. As a result, the share of the nation’s population living in areas with no marketplace insurers would rise to 5 percent in 2018, up from less than 0.5 percent under current law.
  • The number of uninsured would rise by 1 million in 2018, relative to current law.

###

Georgia Democrats Commemorate International Women’s Day

Release:  Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement in honor of International Women’s Day.

“Today, Georgia Democrats join the world community in celebrating the accomplishments and value of women around the globe. In an era where women’s rights are under continuous assault from the state house to the White House, it is more important than ever for us to unite and empower women of all ages and backgrounds.

“Georgia Democrats also mark this day by thanking Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton for inspiring generations of women and men to continue the fight for gender equality. Hillary’s resilience against all odds and unwavering sense of duty has paved the way for women to shatter every remaining glass ceiling until the sky is truly our limit.

“We also stand in solidarity with those marking A Day Without A Woman, and Democrats will continue to champion policies that close the gender pay gap, expand paid family leave, protect women’s reproductive rights, and break down barriers that stand in the way of a just and fair country.”

###

Georgia Together GOTV Road Trip, Friday Schedule

                                                                                     

FRIDAY, November 4th – Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, Former Congressman John Barrow, Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Minority Leader Steve Henson, Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, US Senate Candidate Jim Barksdale, DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams, Rev. Raphael Warnock & Party Leaders Kick Off Georgia Together GOTV Road Trip

Democratic Leaders to convene for planning breakfast before splitting into teams for statewide GOTV events

 

Atlanta, GA – Friday, November 4th, Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, Former Congressman John Barrow, Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Minority Leader Steve Henson, Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, US Senate Candidate Jim Barksdale, DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Party Leaders will embark on the Georgia Together GOTV Road Trip. The road trip will kick off with open press planning breakfast. Democratic leaders will then split into teams to hit the road and meet fellow surrogates for GOTV events across the state to discuss what’s at stake in the election and encourage Georgians to vote.

Details for Friday’s events can be found below.

Media is asked to please RSVP to [email protected].

 

Georgia Together GOTV Road Trip Kickoff Breakfast

WHEN: 9:00 AM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: DPG Headquarters, 501 Pulliam Street SW, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30312

WHO: Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, Former Congressman John Barrow, Minority Leader Steve Henson, Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Rev. Raphael Warnock, DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams & Party Leaders.

Henry County Visit with Congressman John Lewis and House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams

WHEN: 11:00 AM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Henry County Field Office, 147 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, GA 30253

WHO: Congressman John Lewis and House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams

Macon Visit with Congressman John Lewis and actress/activist Danai Guirira

WHEN: 2:00 PM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Macon Field Office, 439 3rd Street Suite 101, Macon, GA 31201

WHO: Congressman John Lewis and actress / activist Danai Gurira

Cobb Rally with Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, Rep. Stacey Evans, and US Senate Candidate Jim Barksdale

WHEN: 12:00 PM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: 548 S. Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060

WHO: Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, Rep. Stacey Evans, and US Senate Candidate Jim Barksdale

Augusta Rally with Congressman Hank Johnson and DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams

WHEN: 2:00 PM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Augusta Field Office, 1054 Claussen Rd Suite 305, Augusta, GA 30907

WHO: Congressman Hank Johnson and DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams

Rome Rally with Former Congressman John Barrow, Rev. Raphael Warnock, and Rome Commissioner Wendy Davis

WHEN: 12:00 PM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Schroeder’s, 406 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161

WHO: Former Congressman John Barrow, Rev. Raphael Warnock, and Rome Commissioner Wendy Davis

Georgia Together Luncheon

WHEN: 11:30 AM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Albany Welcome Center, 112 N Front St, 2nd Floor, Albany, GA 31701

Georgia Together Millennial Voter Engagement Forum

WHEN: 1:30 PM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Albany State University Student Center Ballroom, 504 College Dr, Albany, GA 31705

Georgia Together Volunteer Phone Banking at Carter’s with First Lady Carter

WHEN: 3:30 PM – Friday, November 4th

WHERE: Carter’s Grill and Restaurant, 321 Highland Ave, Albany, GA 31701

###

DPG Statement on VP Debate

Release:  Tuesday, October 4, 2016  

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement on tonight’s vice presidential debate.

“Mike Pence is about as extreme as Republicans come. He’s essentially been charged by Donald Trump to serve as his lead apologist for the campaign’s lies and divisive rhetoric. Throughout his career, Pence has been consumed with an obsession to defund Planned Parenthood, build barriers between women and access to health care, and villainize the LGBTQ community through discriminatory policies and legislation.

“Mike Pence has abused his roles in public office by targeting and attacking women. This is a man who cosponsored legislation to redefine rape, cosponsored legislation that would have allowed hospitals to deny abortions to pregnant women who would die without the care, and has said he wants to send Roe v. Wade ‘to the ash heap of history where it belongs.’

“The LGBTQ community is also a favorite and frequent target of the governor. Just last year, Pence enacted a widely-condemned RFRA law that legalized discrimination against the LGBTQ community—a move that proved deeply embarrassing for Indiana. While in Congress, he voted against the Matthew Shepard Act and campaigned on the notion that ‘Homosexuality is incompatible with military service.’

“Tonight, Senator Tim Kaine proved that Democrats are offering a more substantive, inclusive, and optimistic vision for our country. There is no doubt in my mind that Secretary Clinton and Senator Kaine will use every day of their administration to lift everyone up, and ensure that we all have a fair shot. This has been their life’s work, this is their proven record, and Democrats share their belief that we are stronger together.” – Nikema Williams, First Vice Chair.

###

Georgia Democrats Celebrate Women’s Equality Day

Release:  Friday, August 26, 2016  

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams released the following statement to celebrate Women’s Equality Day.

“Today, we commemorate the 96th anniversary of the certification of the 19th amendment by celebrating Women’s Equality Day. Milestones like this serve as a testament to the mountains that can be moved by dedicated advocates who believe in the best of this country.

“While great strides have been made in the fight for women’s rights, so much work is left to be done. Year after year, Georgia Republicans push legislation designed to restrict access to reproductive healthcare. Efforts to close the wage gap or expand paid family leave are stonewalled. And the divisive rhetoric of the extreme right continues to marginalize women, building barriers on the path to true equality.

“As Democrats, we believe in lifting women up. We believe women have the right to chart their own destiny without the interference of small-minded lawmakers. And we will continue to work toward a future where every little girl grows up knowing that, with hard work, anything is possible.” – Nikema Williams, First Vice Chair

###

DPG Statement on GOP Rep. Tommy Benton’s Comments on the KKK

Release:  Thursday, January 28, 2016

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement regarding Republican State Representative Tommy Benton’s comments that the KKK was quote “not so much a racist thing but a vigilante thing to keep law and order” that “made a lot of people straighten up.”

“Tommy Benton’s comments are deplorable. Georgians should seriously ask themselves if this man is fit to serve. Benton certainly does not share the values held by most Georgians.

“Benton is either an ill-informed student of history, or he has no conscience. For over a century, the KKK has operated as a terrorist organization responsible for some of the most unimaginable violence in the country. In an era where communities are working together to bridge divides, Tommy Benton seems content with spewing the kind of half-witted hatred that divides. Benton should be ashamed and his Party should denounce him.”

###

Background

AJC 1-28-16 – Ga. lawmaker: KKK made ‘people straighten up’

State Rep. Tommy Benton is an unapologetic supporter of Georgia’s Confederate heritage.

He flatly asserts the Civil War wasn’t fought over slavery, compares Confederate leaders to the Founding Fathers and is profoundly irritated with what he deems a “cultural cleansing” of Southern history. He also said the Ku Klux Klan, while he didn’t agree with all of their methods, “made a lot of people straighten up” in the post-war years.

… Benton said there are two sides to that story as well. Following the Civil War, the Klan “was not so much a racist thing but a vigilante thing to keep law and order,” he said.

“It made a lot of people straighten up,” he said. “I’m not saying what they did was right. It’s just the way things were.”

DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams on Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s Confederate Flag Remarks

Release:  Thursday, July 9, 2015                                                                                          

 

DPG First Vice Chair Nikema Williams on Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s Confederate Flag Remarks

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement regarding Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s out of touch remarks during today’s U.S. House debate on the Confederate flag.

 

“Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s comments are absolutely repellent. Sadly, Lynn has a track record of offensive behavior. During the 2008 presidential race, he hurled a derogatory term toward President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Now, he’s defending the Confederacy and asks Congressman John Lewis—who shed his blood fighting for civil rights—to consider his ‘point of view’ on race relations.

 

“Lynn Westmoreland owes his constituents and the people of Georgia an apology. Today.”

 

 

###

 

 

Background

 

AJC – Lynn Westmoreland on Confederate battle flag ‘I don’t think it’s a racist symbol’

Among Westmoreland’s thoughts:

“There’s a lot of Confederate flags. You talking about the battle flag? I think it was just — I don’t think it’s a racist symbol. I think people have misused it, but I’ve never really given it that much thought, because in the South you kind of grow up being around it, just seeing it in different venues or whatever. But I have never thought of it as a racist flag.”

Westmoreland was asked if he could see the point of Rep. John Lewis, D-Atlanta, when he talks about the flag’s racist history during the civil rights movement. Westmoreland replied: “Well, if I believe it comes from heritage, does he understand where I’m coming from?”

 

Jonathan Weisman, NYT

 

DPG First Vice Chair Congratulates Loretta Lynch on Confirmation as US Attorney General

Release:  Thursday, April 23, 2015

 

Democratic Party of GA First Vice Chair Congratulates Loretta Lynch on Confirmation as US Attorney General

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement in response to news that the United States Senate confirmed Loretta Lynch as US Attorney General—the nation’s first African American woman to hold the post. Both of Georgia’s Senators—Republicans Johnny Isakson and David Perdue—voted against Loretta Lynch’s confirmation.

 

“First, I would like to congratulate Loretta Lynch on her confirmation. She has a proven record of battling criminals and terrorists, and will serve our country well. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue’s actions during the nomination and confirmation process have been disgraceful—obstructionism at its finest. It is absolutely disconcerting that these two men would rather play politics with our national security than serve their constituents.”

 

###

Georgia Democrats Announce New DNC Members

Columbus – The Democratic Party of Georgia held elections for five positions on the Democratic National Committee in Columbus. These elections include an additional position granted to Georgia due to increased population based upon the results of the 2010 census.

New members include former candidate for Governor, former Democratic State House leader and state representative DuBose Porter, and experienced campaign strategist and activist Wendy Davis, who served as Campaign Manager for David Poythress’ governor bid in 2010.

Georgia DNC member Liz Johnson will conclude her service in September of 2012.

Returning members to the DNC include former AFL-CIO President Richard Ray, former DPG Chairman David Worley, and savvy political activist Sally Rosser.

These five members to the DNC will begin their four year terms immediately following the Democratic Convention in Charlotte. They will join the four DNC delegates that were not up for election in Columbus: Chairman Mike Berlon, First Vice Chair Nikema Williams, Sen. Lester Jackson and Dan Halpern.

 

 

Chairman Mike Berlon

 

 

 

 

First Vice Chair Nikema Williams

 

 

 

 

David Worley

 

 

 

 

Liz Johnson (term expires September, 2012)

 

 

 

 

Dan Halpern

 

 

 

 

Sally Rosser

 

 

 

 

Richard Ray

 

 

 

 

Sen. Lester Jackson

 

 

 

 

DuBose Porter (takes office Sept. 2012)

 

 

 

 

Wendy Davis (takes office September 2012)

 

 

 


Special Reception with Governor Howard Dean

Click here to purchase tickets!

.

The Georgia House Democratic Caucus and the Democratic Party of Georgia invite you to a special reception featuring: Governor Howard Dean
When: Friday, October 7, 2011 from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: Loews Hotel, 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Salon E, Atlanta 30309.

Host list includes: Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, Whip Carolyn Hugley, Chairman Brian Thomas, Treasurer Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Secretary Debbie Buckner, Deputy Whip Billy Mitchell, Vice-Chair Rashad Taylor, DPG Chair Mike Berlon, DPG First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams, DPG Treasurer Russell Edwards, Red Clay Democrats.

Be a part of this exciting event! Host levels include:

Platinum $2,500: Private meeting with Governor Dean, VIP reception & signed photo with Governor.
Gold $1,000: VIP reception & signed photo with Governor Dean.
Silver $500: VIP reception & photo line with Governor Dean.
Bronze $250: VIP reception.
Individual ticket: $100.

VIP reception begins at 4pm.

RSVP: Don Weigel (404) 665-3541
[email protected]