Stacey Abrams, the Democrat in Georgia’s governor race, admitted on Friday that she cannot come in front of her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, but she stated that she will file a federal lawsuit challenging the “gross mismanagement” of the state’s elections, Fox News informed.
Abrams’ address to her supporters essentially concluded her bid for the governor’s mansion, the final result of which had been in doubt since Election Day, but she noted that she was not officially conceding the race.
While describing a variety of issues at the polls, Abrams said that “the state failed its voters.”
“I acknowledge that former Secretary of State Brian Kemp will be certified as the victor in the 2018 gubernatorial election. But to watch an elected official – who claims to represent the people in this state, baldly pin his hopes for election on the suppression of the people’s democratic right to vote – has been truly appalling,” Abrams said. “So let’s be clear, this is not a speech of concession.”
“Because concession means to acknowledge an action is right, true or proper. As a woman of conscience and faith, I cannot concede that. But my assessment is the law currently allows no further viable remedy,” she continued, before adding that although she could fight to keep the election going, she doesn’t “want to hold public office if I need to scheme my way into the post.”
Abrams had hoped to become the first black governor of Georgia and the first black female governor of any state.
Unofficial returns in the state put Kemp ahead of Abrams with roughly 50.2 percent of more than 3.9 million votes. This standing gave him about 18,000 votes above the threshold required to win by a majority and avoid a Dec. 4 runoff.
Kemp issued a statement following his opponent’s announcement, saying she “conceded the race and officially ended her campaign for governor.”
“I appreciate her passion, hard work, and commitment to public service,” the statement said. “The election is over and hardworking Georgians are ready to move forward. We can no longer dwell on the divisive politics of the past but must focus on Georgia’s bright and promising future.”
He went on to request that people in Georgia “stand with me in the days ahead.”
“Together, we will realize the opportunities and tackle the challenges to come,” the statement said. “We will be a state that puts hardworking Georgians – no matter their zip code or political preference – first!”
Kemp, Georgia’s former secretary of state, had received the endorsement of President Trump, who tweeted congratulations to Kemp on Friday evening.
“Congratulations to Brian Kemp on becoming the new Governor of Georgia,” the President wrote. “Stacey Abrams fought brilliantly and hard – she will have a terrific political future! Brian was unrelenting and will become a great Governor for the truly Wonderful People of Georgia!”
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