Fulton County Democrat launches bid for Georgia secretary of state
A Democratic Fulton County commissioner has announced a bid to become Georgia's secretary of state. The announcement was reported by ABC News and PBS News.
đ Key Facts
- Dana Barrett, a Democratic Fulton County commissioner first elected in 2022, has announced a campaign for Georgia secretary of state.
- She joins a Democratic primary that already includes Penny Brown Reynolds, Adrian Consonery Jr. and Cam T. Ashling.
- The Republican field to replace outgoing Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger includes Gabriel Sterling, state Rep. Tim Fleming, Vernon Jones and Kelvin King.
- Barrett previously opposed confirming two Republican nominees to the Fulton County election board, a dispute that led to a civil contempt finding and a $10,000-per-day fine order now on hold pending appeal.
- Barrett has publicly said she sought her current office in part to 'defend the integrity of our elections' and argued that a judge cannot order commissioners how to vote.
đ Relevant Data
From 2020 to 2023, Fulton County's population grew from approximately 1.066 million to 1.074 million, with the White population decreasing slightly to about 38.8%, Black population stable at around 42.4%, Asian population increasing to 7.5%, and Hispanic population increasing to 7.8%, driven in part by international migration.
Fulton County, GA | Data USA â Data USA
Immigration has fueled metro Atlanta's population growth, contributing to Fulton County adding 18,800 new residents between 2024 and 2025, with international migration accounting for a significant portion of the region's net population increase.
Immigration fuels metro Atlanta's population growth â Axios
In the 2024 Georgia election, the racial turnout gap widened, with White voter turnout increasing to about 65% while Black voter turnout decreased to around 55%, resulting in a 10-point gap, particularly pronounced among Black men under 50 whose participation dropped by 15% compared to 2020.
Racial Turnout Gap Grew in Georgia â Again â Brennan Center for Justice
Georgia's 2021 voting law (SB 202) has been found to suppress Black votes disproportionately, with new data showing a 5-7% higher rejection rate for Black absentee ballots due to tightened deadlines and reduced drop boxes, compared to White voters.
Georgia's Sweeping Anti-Voting Law Suppressed Black Votes, New Data Shows â Democracy Docket
Election denial rhetoric has dampened voter turnout, particularly among Republican-aligned voters in Georgia, with a 2021 study showing a 8-10% decrease in participation in the Senate runoffs due to reduced confidence, though effects vary by race with lower impacts on Black voters.
Election Denial, Voter Confidence, and Political Behavior in the United States â American Politics Research
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