Stacey Abrams made a trio of moves this week aimed at endearing herself to Democratic voters and elected officials as she weighs whether to run for the U.S. Senate.
Every Democratic state lawmaker in Georgia will soon find a gift in their campaign coffers: Abrams has given each a campaign contribution through her newly-launched Fair Fight Action’s PAC, totaling about $60,000. The PAC reported raising about $220,000 earlier this week.
In a statement, she said the donations dovetailed with Fair Fight’s mission of “reforming Georgia elections and building progressive power in the state to advocate for issues that matter to Georgians.”
“These leaders will be on the front lines of upcoming battles over the future of our state and we look forward to fighting alongside them,” she said.
Abrams has set a late March deadline to decide whether to challenge U.S. Sen. David Perdue in 2020 or prepare for a potential 2022 rematch against Gov.-elect Brian Kemp.
But even as she decides, she's emerged as the party's de facto leader and queenmaker.
She ventured deeper into internal politics by formally endorsing her ally, state Sen. Nikema Williams, in her bid to lead the Democratic Party of Georgia. In a video posted on social media, Abrams calls Williams a "thoughtful leader, a great fundraiser and a visionary."
Abrams took to social media for another purpose, too: Praising the victims and attorneys who chronicled allegations of abuse and predatory behavior against R. Kelly, who could face an investigation in Atlanta after the airing of a Lifetime documentary series.
In a tweet, she thanked the black women and their allies who “worked for years to expose” the singer.
"Often overlooked or worse, you persisted, knowing you would one day make a difference," she tweeted. "Your day is coming. We are grateful you stayed in the fight."
More: Who could challenge Sen. David Perdue in 2020
Here’s a copy of the letter she sent each Democratic lawmaker:
“On behalf of Fair Fight, we would like to congratulate you on your recent election to represent the citizens of Georgia in the Georgia General Assembly. Fair Fight looks forward to working together on important issues at the 2019 Georgia General Assembly.
“Fair Fight’s mission is to advocate for election reform and engage in voter education and turnout to secure the voting rights of Georgians. Voters are being suppressed and disenfranchised systematically. Fair Fight is working hard to change that.”
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