Third Time’s the Charm? Stacey Abrams Hints at Another Run for Georgia Governor Despite Past Losses
“If at first you don’t succeed, humiliate yourself again and again?” That’s how Fox News cheekily framed the political persistence of Stacey Abrams, the twice-defeated Democratic candidate for Georgia governor—now reportedly eyeing a third attempt.
Abrams first made national headlines in 2018 after narrowly losing to Republican Brian Kemp in a bitterly contested race. In 2022, the rematch wasn’t as close: Kemp handily beat her by eight points. Now, with Kemp barred from seeking a third term due to Georgia’s gubernatorial term limits, speculation is swirling around Abrams’ potential return.
Despite her high-profile status and national fundraising prowess, Abrams faces a tough road. According to WABE, Republican Attorney General Chris Carr has already launched his campaign, and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is reportedly considering a run of his own. Carr has a financial head start, raising $1.7 million—roughly $500,000 more than Jones.
On the Democratic side, the field is sparse. State Sen. Jason Esteves just announced his candidacy, and Rep. Lucy McBath recently suspended her run to care for her ailing husband. That leaves Abrams as the biggest name in the wings—but not all Georgia Democrats are enthusiastic about a third attempt.
“She’s run twice, and that’s enough to convince me she won’t win,” said Jimmy Johnson, former chair of the Appling County Democratic Committee, speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Marilyn Langford, vice chair of Georgia’s 9th District Democrats, was more diplomatic: “Abrams is great, but she missed the train.”
Adding to the headwinds, Abrams and her organization Fair Fight Action were recently ordered to pay nearly $230,000 in legal fees to the state after a federal judge ruled against her long-running claims of voter suppression in the 2018 election. The court found no evidence to support the group’s allegations that Kemp—then Georgia’s Secretary of State—used his office to disenfranchise minority voters.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger didn’t hold back. “Stacey Abrams’s voter suppression claims were false,” he said. “It has never been easier to vote and harder to cheat in the state of Georgia.”
Still, Abrams remains undeterred. In a recent interview with actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore, she confirmed she is “likely” to run again.
“So, what’s next? Are you going to run again?” Barrymore asked. Abrams replied, “I will likely run again.” Barrymore erupted in excitement: “Yes!”
As for her 2022 concession, Abrams acknowledged the loss but reiterated her broader mission: “I may no longer be seeking the office of governor, but I will never stop doing everything in my power to make sure the people in Georgia have a voice.”
Whether Georgia voters are still listening is a question the next election may answer.
