It has come to our attention that Senator Jon Ossoff doesn’t appear to understand the basic rules of Democratic Party of Georgia officer elections. In his defense, he’s not the first to make this strategic error and probably won’t be the last.
Recently, he allegedly sent a text message to Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who currently also serves as Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG) Chair, asking for her resignation as DPG Chair.
When I say recently, I mean the day after the Democratic Party’s first Black woman nominee for President was defeated. Beyond the bad timing, the optics of yet another white man attempting to push aside an accomplished Black woman isn’t a good look for Democrats. Anyway, this isn’t how it works. For the benefit of the “Senior Democrat in the state”, here’s a brief tutorial on DPG officer elections.
Nikema Williams was elected chair by voting members of the Democratic Party of Georgia’s state committee in 2019. In 2023 she was overwhelmingly reelected to serve another four year term. Throughout her 20+ years of service to the Democratic Party of Georgia, she’s been among the party’s most popular and effective leaders. For more than two decades, she has served with distinction, and continues to do so. She is beloved by her Congressional constituents and party members alike.
In years gone by, the Democratic governor selected the state party’s chair. Since losing the governorship in 2003, it has been the responsibility of the DPG state committee, and only the state committee, to convene every four years to elect the chair and officers. As a sitting US Senator, Jon Ossoff is allowed one vote in this process.
Although Senator Ossoff’s distinguished position is acknowledged, as is his right to express his opinion, party rules do not empower him to appoint or dismiss duly elected DPG officers. Even if they did, there is no cause.
Our suggestions to the “Senior Democrat” would be as follows. First, stop acting out in ways that are both destructive to the party and your reputation among its most faithful members by attacking a popular chairwoman. Next, identify candidates for party offices you believe are a) suitable and b)willing to serve. Finally, when the state committee convenes for elections in 2025, help your preferred candidates prevail. This is the process. Follow it.
Doing anything else is unhelpful and undignified.
A message from the Editorial Board
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