A virtual celebration of the Democratic sweep of last year’s U.S. Senate runoffs will double as a campaign rally for Stacey Abrams’ bid for governor.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff plans to endorse Abrams at the “runoff anniversary” tribute on Wednesday to commemorate the dual Democratic wins that flipped control of the chamber. Hundreds of other supporters will also join the online event.
The victories by Ossoff and Raphael Warnock a year ago have shaped Joe Biden’s presidency, allowing him to pursue a far more aggressive legislative agenda than he could have under divided control of Congress.
Ossoff, a close political ally of Abrams, is expected to highlight Democratic efforts to expand the Medicaid program over Kemp’s opposition.
The governor and his chief Republican rival, former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, have long argued that an expansion of the program is too costly and inflexible.
An aide to Ossoff shared his prepared remarks:
“Georgia needs a leader in the Governor’s office to help Georgia mothers get pre-natal care, to help Georgia families get primary care so they don’t rely on the ER, to help end the needless suffering and death that result when so many of our neighbors can’t get insured. When she is elected Governor, Stacey Abrams will be a partner for Reverend Warnock and me, and I will do all I can to support her campaign.”
In a note to supporters on Wednesday, the Abrams campaign hit on a similar theme:
“Since the runoff victories, Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have delivered COVID relief to struggling families and small businesses. They’ve created jobs. They’ve passed historic investments in our infrastructure and technology. And they’re fighting for federal legislation to protect the right to vote.
“Tonight, Stacey and Senator Ossoff will talk about the progress made possible when Georgians, especially in communities of color, show up to vote in record numbers and how we keep building on our progress this year. Join us.”
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