Democrats Revolt as Abrams Eyes Another Georgia Run After $300K Fine

Paul Riverbank, 5/1/2025Stacey Abrams considers third Georgia governor run amid party resistance and campaign finance troubles.

The Democratic Party's Game of Musical Chairs

Something peculiar is happening in Democratic politics. Just when you think you know the players, the music starts again, and everyone scrambles for a new seat at the table.

Take Georgia, where Stacey Abrams is eyeing what would be her third shot at the governor's mansion. Having covered her previous campaigns, I can tell you this time feels different. The party's usual "clear the field" courtesy? Gone. State Senator Jason Esteves has already jumped in, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms looks ready to dive in too.

I had to chuckle when Brian Kemp's adviser, Cody Hall, couldn't resist taking a swipe: "Every Georgia Democrat is scared to death Abrams runs again because they can't beat her in the primary... But she's also probably their worst candidate in the general." Classic political double-speak – simultaneously painting Abrams as both unstoppable and unelectable.

The Georgia I'm watching today barely resembles the battleground of 2018 or even 2022. Sure, Abrams still commands attention and can fill campaign coffers like nobody's business. But I'm hearing whispers from Democratic strategists worried about her appeal to those crucial swing voters who decide elections in the Peach State.

Meanwhile, up in the Commerce Department's old offices, Gina Raimondo is playing her own interesting hand. During a recent chat at the University of Chicago, she cracked open the door to a possible 2028 presidential run. But it's her stance on capitalism that really caught my ear: "I don't think our democracy can survive a capitalism that's playing out as it is today." Strong words from a former venture capitalist.

The timing couldn't be more fascinating. Democratic incumbents are taking hits in the polls, especially on kitchen table issues and the border situation. And here's Abrams, whose organizations just got slapped with a $300,000 fine for campaign finance mishaps, talking about building new systems rather than fixing old ones.

Look, I've been covering politics long enough to know that fatigue is real – and some Georgia Democrats are definitely feeling it with Abrams. But when she speaks to young Black women in Atlanta about building something better than a "shoddy system," you can still feel that spark that made her a national figure.

What we're seeing isn't just about individual ambitions – it's the Democratic Party wrestling with its soul. Old guard versus new blood. Progressive dreams versus moderate pragmatism. National spotlight versus local groundwork.

The next few months should be telling. But one thing's certain – in politics, the music never really stops.

The Democratic Party's Game of Musical ChairsSomething peculiar is happening in Democratic politics. Just when you think you know the players, the music starts again, and everyone scrambles for a new seat at the table.Take Georgia, where Stacey Abrams is eyeing what would be her third shot at the governor's mansion. Having covered her previous campaigns, I can tell you this time feels different. The party's usual "clear the field" courtesy? Gone. State Senator Jason Esteves has already jumped in, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms looks ready to dive in too.I had to chuckle when Brian Kemp's adviser, Cody Hall, couldn't resist taking a swipe: "Every Georgia Democrat is scared to death Abrams runs again because they can't beat her in the primary... But she's also probably their worst candidate in the general." Classic political double-speak – simultaneously painting Abrams as both unstoppable and unelectable.The Georgia I'm watching today barely resembles the battleground of 2018 or even 2022. Sure, Abrams still commands attention and can fill campaign coffers like nobody's business. But I'm hearing whispers from Democratic strategists worried about her appeal to those crucial swing voters who decide elections in the Peach State.Meanwhile, up in the Commerce Department's old offices, Gina Raimondo is playing her own interesting hand. During a recent chat at the University of Chicago, she cracked open the door to a possible 2028 presidential run. But it's her stance on capitalism that really caught my ear: "I don't think our democracy can survive a capitalism that's playing out as it is today." Strong words from a former venture capitalist.The timing couldn't be more fascinating. Democratic incumbents are taking hits in the polls, especially on kitchen table issues and the border situation. And here's Abrams, whose organizations just got slapped with a $300,000 fine for campaign finance mishaps, talking about building new systems rather than fixing old ones.Look, I've been covering politics long enough to know that fatigue is real – and some Georgia Democrats are definitely feeling it with Abrams. But when she speaks to young Black women in Atlanta about building something better than a "shoddy system," you can still feel that spark that made her a national figure.What we're seeing isn't just about individual ambitions – it's the Democratic Party wrestling with its soul. Old guard versus new blood. Progressive dreams versus moderate pragmatism. National spotlight versus local groundwork.The next few months should be telling. But one thing's certain – in politics, the music never really stops.