Stacey Abrams made headlines Tuesday after winning Georgia’s gubernatorial Democratic primary election. Among the May 22 elections in Texas, Kentucky, and Arkansas, Abrams’ breakthrough brings her one step closer to making history as not only Georgia’s first woman and first African American governor, but also the first African American female governor in the nation’s history.
Abrams defeated her opponent, Stacey Evans, by 53 points. Analysts suggest her win could be attested to Georgia’s changing demographics, including Atlanta, GA, where there is an increasing population of African Americans and immigrants.
Abrams’ win also speaks to her bold agenda, which differs from the more centrist approach taken by other Democrats in the region. Her goal to engage Georgia’s young minorities and left-leaning voters have helped her gain a core group of supporters. Referring to herself as a “daughter of the Deep South,” Abrams is also encouraging younger generations to represent “the Georgia of tomorrow.”
After joining Georgia’s house in 2006, Abrams quickly became one of the top Democrats in her state. Now she is set to face her biggest challenge yet — she will face either Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, or Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in the gubernatorial election in the fall.
“Tonight’s victory was only the beginning,” Abrams said in a Facebook post on Tuesday night. “The road to November will be long and tough, but the next step is one we take together.”