Perhaps the most important institution in Georgia Democratic Party politics, the Georgia AFL-CIO, endorsed Stacey Abrams as Georgia’s next governor. Most importantly for now, Abrams rival in the primary, Stacey Evans, has far fewer paths to victory.
GA AFL-CIO president Charlie Fleming said of the Abrams’ endorsement:
“I have already seen Stacey Abrams’ leadership in action for a decade, and know she has fought tirelessly day in and day out to deliver for working Georgians who are often struggling to make ends meet. Stacey Abrams has worked to address misclassification issues, advocated for raising the minimum wage, and supported union membership. She understands the concerns of Georgia workers, and the Georgia AFL-CIO looks forward to standing alongside her to make her our next governor.”
In addition to the umbrella body of Georgia’s labor unions, Abrams has endorsements from a host of local unions, every congressman except Sanford Bishop, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, national women’s and pro-choice organizations and more.
RELEASE: GEORGIA AFL-CIO ENDORSES STACEY ABRAMS FOR GOVERNOR
ATLANTA, GA – Today, the Georgia AFL-CIO endorsed former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia.
“I am proud to have led efforts to support unions and working families as Minority Leader. The right to form a union and collectively bargain is paramount to fostering a strong workforce and ensuring Georgians have access to good jobs in every part of the state,” said Stacey Abrams. “We must make sure all Georgians, wherever they live, have a job that pays them a living wage so that they can support themselves and their families. I am grateful for the support of the AFL-CIO and look forward to working with their members and all families in the state to build a fair, thriving economy.”
“I have already seen Stacey Abrams’ leadership in action for a decade, and know she has fought tirelessly day in and day out to deliver for working Georgians who are often struggling to make ends meet,” said Georgia AFL-CIO President Charlie Fleming. “Stacey Abrams has worked to address misclassification issues, advocated for raising the minimum wage, and supported union membership. She understands the concerns of Georgia workers, and the Georgia AFL-CIO looks forward to standing alongside her to make her our next governor.”
“Stacey Abrams is undoubtedly the strongest, most qualified candidate for governor, and will be ready to fight for Georgia working families on day one,” said Yvonne Robinson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Georgia AFL-CIO. “As Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, she fought to help workers take care of themselves and their families, blocked bills to weaken unions’ free speech rights, and voted against legislation that threatened union membership. I look forward to working with Abrams once she is elected so that together, we can continue to expand opportunity for workers in Georgia.”
Stacey Abrams has proven track record of supporting working families in the state. As Minority Leader, she fought to stop tax increases on low and middle income families, passed legislation on behalf of military families, fought for grandparents and other kin raising children, protected reproductive rights and brokered agreements that allowed for investments in transit and critical infrastructure.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 613, The Georgia State Building and Construction Trades Council, Atlanta North Georgia Building Trades Council, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 77, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 926, and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Southeast Council have each endorsed Stacey Abrams because of her commitment to creating a Georgia that ensures the rights of working families. Congressman John Lewis, Congressman David Scott, Congressman Hank Johnson, and Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery have also endorsed Stacey Abrams for governor. Progressive organization Democracy for America, with over 30,000 members in Georgia and a million members nationwide, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Let America Vote, Higher Heights for America, and EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics with more than five million members nationwide, have also endorsed Stacey Abrams for Governor.