Ruwa Romman, the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia state House of Representatives, has officially launched her campaign for governor. A Democrat, Romman also made history as the first Palestinian American to hold public office in Georgia when she won her seat in 2022. She will face a crowded primary field, including former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former state Sen. Jason Esteves, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, minister Olu Brown, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.
On the Republican side, five candidates have entered the race: businessman Clark Dean, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, state Attorney General Chris Carr, Leland Olinger II, and Gregg Kirkpatrick. Romman currently represents Georgia’s District 97 in Gwinnett County, a northern Atlanta suburb, and her term runs through January 2027. She has said her campaign will focus on raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, reopening closed state hospitals, addressing child hunger, and supporting small businesses.
“I firmly believe the politics of old aren’t working,” Romman said. “The business as usual isn’t working. And if we want to change the power dynamics of our state, we have to do something different.” She recently launched a statewide volunteer initiative, Project 159, to recruit organizers in every county, aiming to build a movement-driven campaign. Romman emphasized her commitment to Democratic principles, arguing that policies like raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, and restoring access to abortions resonate widely with voters.
While acknowledging that Georgia’s strong Republican leaning presents a challenge, Romman said she believes an economic-focused, hope-centered campaign can energize voters. “If you set a high bar, build toward a vision, and invite people to work together, that kind of campaign can go a long way in our state,” she said.
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