Stacey Abrams concedes governor’s race, says she won’t stop fighting for Georgians

ATLANTA — Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams conceded to Republican Brian Kemp in their rematch to become Georgia governor.

Abrams delivered her concession speech after 11 p.m. Tuesday night in front of her supporters in downtown Atlanta. Abrams says even though her campaign for Georgia governor came up short, she won’t stop fighting for Georgians.

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“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 of Georgia have a voice,” Abrams said. “I got into this race for one reason and one reason only: to fight. And not just any fight, a fight to save Georgia, a fight on behalf of our children and the generations to come.”

Abrams would have become the first Black woman to serve as a governor in the United States if she had won.

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After her loss in 2018, Abrams formed the voting rights advocacy group Fair Fight Action and spent four years laying the groundwork for a second gubernatorial run. She quickly became a star for the Democratic Party and her national profile grew as evident by her fundraising efforts.

Abrams raised nearly $98 million through Oct. 25, according to reports filed with the state ethics commission, while Kemp raised more than $69 million. Abrams’ financial advantage turned out not to be enough.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, released the following statement on behalf of the party.

“For four years, Brian Kemp blocked health care for over half a million people, refused federal funds to help struggling hospitals, loosened gun safety laws as crime rose, and forced government mandates onto women that infringe on our freedom to make private medical decisions.

Although this wasn’t the result we worked towards, Georgia Democrats are ending this race with gratitude for the voters and hope for the future, knowing that we left it all on the field fighting for the values we believe in. We are so proud of Stacey Abrams, who ran a historic campaign that inspired and uplifted millions, while expanding the vision for what is possible in Georgia. We may have come up short on this race, but we will never stop pushing for One Georgia — a state where we expand access to health care, where public safety is put above special interests, where our freedoms are protected, and where everyone has the opportunity to earn a good living. “To all of the incredible volunteers, supporters, and everyone who was working on behalf of Stacey, thank you so much for all of your hard work and support.”

This Associated Press contributed to this report.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams concedes to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp

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