Atlanta, GA—Emerge Georgia, the state’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, reported 26 alums on the ballot ahead of Tuesday’s primary election. These candidates represent the unique diversity of Georgia, coming from the different communities, backgrounds, and identities that make up the state. In fact, 77% of alums on the ballot are members of the New American Majority–Black, Brown and Indigenous women and women of color, as well as LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women.
“Emerge alums have a long history of success on the ballot and we are excited for the 26 Emerge women who are looking to continue that trend this year,” said Maggie Chambers, executive director of Emerge Georgia. “These women are political activists, organizers, and community leaders with backgrounds, experiences, and identities from communities across the state. Their presence on the campaign trail will provide new representation and show the power Democratic women have in elections. We look forward to seeing their success on the ballot today and their continued impact all across Georgia.”
The Emerge Georgia alums on the ballot are:
Lucy McBath, CD-07
Sen. Jen Jordan, Attorney General
Chandra Farley, PSC
Nakita Hemingway, Agriculture Commissioner
Melody Bray, SD-38
Rep. Regina Lewis Ward, HD-109
Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, HD-106
Rep. Becky Evans, HD-89
Joyce Barlow, HD-151
Eren Brumley, HD-51
Lisa Campbell, HD-35
Saira Draper, HD-90
Traci George, HD-132
Lydia Glaize, HD-67
Mignon Willis, HD-64
Willie Mae Oyogoa, HD-44
Gabrielle Rogers, HD-88
Ruwa Romman, HD-97
Michelle Schreiner, HD-90
Peggy Gillen, HD-50
Mya Cullins, HD-117
Jasmine Bowles, Clayton School Board District 1
Maggie Goldman, Fulton County Commission District 1
Dana Barrett, Fulton County Commission District 3
Makia Metzger, Cobb Solicitor-General
Vickie Williams-Wiley, Columbus City Council
Emerge Georgia has a proven track record for getting Democratic women elected. Since the organization launched in 2019, the program has equipped 47 women with the skills needed to bring change to their communities. 9 Emerge alums now serve in elected office, including State Senator and Attorney General candidate Jen Jordan, Congresswoman Lucy McBath, and District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez.
Nationally, Emerge has trained more than 5,000 alums since 2002 and currently has more than 1,000 alums in elected office across the country. The organization is committed to reaching 100,000 women of the New American Majority over the next 15 years, fostering a lift as you climb culture for women in politics, and repowering political structures. There are currently 27 state affiliates, and the organization has impacted a total of 45 states, Washington, D.C. and territories. Emerge is committed to reaching 100,000 women of the New American Majority, repowering political structures, and fostering a lift as you climb culture for women in politics during the next 15 years.
For more information, please visit emergega.org.
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