We are committed to leveraging the money and enthusiasm of Democrats across this country to flip Georgia blue. We believe that state legislatures are the path to creating lasting change, growing a bench of elected officials, and winning back the future of the state.
Gerrymandering
State governments are in control of drawing the maps that determine congressional districting. The more Democrats sitting at the table during this process, the more likely we are to retain and expand our majority in the US House of Representatives. This is one of the most powerful ways we can impact the nation as a whole, and we are committed to ensuring that Georgia’s map is as fair and representative as possible. We believe elected officials should work to serve their districts, not work to create districts that serve them. If we win can prevent Republicans from drawing maps that serve their interests and not the voters of Georgia, we win everywhere.
Climate Change
California has demonstrated the power of progressive state governments in combating climate change in spite of federal obstruction from this administration. As the main economic hub in the Southern United States, the impact of Georgia cutting carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy sources, and fighting for environmental justice would be revolutionary. Our candidates are dedicated to solving the Climate Crisis, and refuse to wait for the federal government to do the work for us.
Reproductive Justice
Despite the most aggressive efforts of the Republican party in Georgia, the Reproductive Justice movement is unbowed and unbroken. Despite the work conservatives have done to tear down reproductive rights and take away the voices of women, the Reproductive Justice coalition in Georgia has only become stronger and grown in size. And while their presence and numbers grow stronger in the face of adversity, they are still having to play defense because Democrats are still the minority. It is time to not just defend the limited access to reproductive care and healthcare that women have in Georgia, but to fight for the access that all people deserve. And to accomplish that, it will take the victory and support of Blue Neighbors’ candidates to turn that energy into legislative results. Every woman and every person has the right to their own body, and we will not accept anything less.
Voting Rights
The right to self-determination is the most fundamental freedom we enjoy in this country. Despite generations of struggle, this right is still under siege. After years of Republican efforts to disenfranchise Democratic constituencies, our right to vote is more precarious than it’s been in decades. Our organization is committed to protecting and strengthening voting rights for the citizens of Georgia. Our candidates will shepherd laws to shore up your rights and fight racist efforts to disenfranchise voters. We cannot stand proudly as a nation if we don’t stand for this.
LGBTQIA+ Rights
Thanks to the efforts of grassroots organizations and legislative champions, Democrats have repeatedly been able to fight back conservative efforts to pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which would make it possible to target LGBTQIA+ people based solely on their sexuality. While the tides have begun to turn with the majority of the public supporting rights for the LGBTQIA+ population, this has not slowed Republican attempts to strip away gay rights. There are still ongoing efforts to ban same sex couples from adopting in the state of Georgia, still the pushing of RFRA, and also attacks on trans kids from being able to partipate in sports. The way we change this? Unseating those who would continue to attack our minorities.
Reverse Coattails
The stronger the candidate and the more voters they can bring to the polls, the more likely there is a trickle up effect that impacts state-wide and federal races. The candidates at the top of the ballot matter, but the candidates in state races can drive turnout and enthusiasm and help win in races outside of their immediate districts. Reverse Coattails is a phenomenon that our party has spent too much time ignoring, but now that we know its power, we can maximize its impact.
