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Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett announced her candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State on Thursday, entering a growing Democratic primary field for the state’s top election official position.
Barrett, elected to the Fulton Board of Commissioners in 2022, made her announcement at a downtown Atlanta bookstore, framing her campaign as a fight against election denialism. “I’m running to make sure we don’t hand our elections over to extremists and election deniers who think that their voices are more important than yours,” Barrett told supporters.
Her candidacy comes as Fulton County continues to be a flashpoint in Georgia’s electoral politics. The county became the center of national attention following the 2020 presidential election when former President Donald Trump claimed, without evidence, that voter fraud there cost him victory in Georgia. Those claims have been repeatedly disproven by audits and court challenges.
Barrett has recently been embroiled in a contentious legal battle over appointments to the county election board. She was part of a Democratic majority on the Fulton Commission that refused to approve two Republican nominees to the county election board, citing concerns about their past actions. A judge subsequently found the Board of Commissioners in civil contempt and imposed a $10,000 daily fine until the nominees are appointed, though that ruling is currently suspended pending appeal.
Defending her stance on the dispute, Barrett said, “I didn’t believe the lower court had correctly followed the law,” adding that it was important to appeal and “keep on fighting.” She emphasized the significance of her position, stating, “Your vote is your voice. And now they want to take that away, too. That’s why I was going to go to jail to protect Fulton County elections. That’s why I’m running to be the next secretary of state of Georgia.”
The Democratic primary field already includes former Fulton County State Court Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, who had a brief reality TV career, as well as Adrian Consonery Jr. and Cam T. Ashling.
On the Republican side, current Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is not seeking reelection, instead mounting a gubernatorial bid. Gabriel Sterling, who served as one of Raffensperger’s top deputies, is running to replace him. Both Raffensperger and Sterling gained national prominence—and drew criticism from Trump supporters—when they defended Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results after Trump’s infamous phone call asking Raffensperger to “find” votes needed to overturn Biden’s narrow victory in the state.
Other Republican candidates include state Rep. Tim Fleming, who leads a legislative committee examining Georgia’s election procedures; Vernon Jones, a former Democratic state representative who switched parties and has championed Trump’s election fraud claims; and Kelvin King, whose wife Janelle King serves on the State Elections Board as part of its Trump-endorsed majority.
The Secretary of State race in Georgia carries particular significance following the 2020 election controversy and subsequent changes to the state’s voting laws. The position oversees Georgia’s election administration, business registrations, and other critical government functions.
Georgia, once reliably Republican in statewide elections, has become increasingly competitive. In 2020, the state voted for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1992, followed by the election of two Democratic U.S. senators in January 2021 runoffs. The Secretary of State contest will be closely watched as both parties vie for control of this crucial election apparatus in a potential 2024 presidential battleground state.
Primary elections in Georgia are scheduled for May 2024, with the general election to follow in November.
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10 Comments
The secretary of state race in Georgia is shaping up to be a key battleground. Barrett’s emphasis on fighting election denialism could resonate with many voters, but she’ll face stiff competition from Republicans who’ve embraced Trump’s false claims.
Fulton County has been a lightning rod in Georgia’s electoral politics. Barrett’s candidacy will likely draw a lot of scrutiny, but she seems determined to take on the election deniers head-on.
Interesting to see a Fulton County commissioner throwing their hat in the ring for Georgia secretary of state. This race will likely be heavily scrutinized given the 2020 election controversies in the state.
It’s crucial that Georgia’s top election official be someone who upholds democratic principles and rejects unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. Curious to see how Barrett positions herself on these issues.
With the ongoing debates around election security and the integrity of the voting process, the Georgia secretary of state race is shaping up to be a high-stakes affair. Barrett’s entry into the race adds an interesting dynamic to the contest.
As a Fulton County commissioner, Barrett has already been tested on these issues. Her willingness to take on election deniers could resonate with voters, but she’ll need to articulate a clear vision for restoring trust in the state’s electoral system.
As a Fulton County commissioner, Barrett has already been embroiled in contentious battles over election board appointments. Her decision to run for secretary of state suggests she’s ready to take that fight to the statewide level.
Given the high stakes, this race will be closely watched nationally. Barrett’s ability to navigate the political minefields and defend democratic integrity will be crucial to her success.
It’s good to see a candidate focused on protecting the integrity of elections rather than amplifying false claims of voter fraud. Barrett’s background in Fulton County politics could give her an edge in understanding the challenges facing election officials.
The secretary of state role is essential for ensuring fair and transparent elections. Barrett’s commitment to fighting election denialism is a welcome stance, but she’ll have to convince voters she’s the right person for the job.