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No Kings, No Silence: Defending Democracy in Georgia
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Georgians Say Enough is Enough!
🍑 This Week in Georgia: Kemp’s Corporate Trip, Georgia Left Behind
Governor Brian Kemp traveled to South Korea this week to meet with executives from Hyundai Motor Company and LG Energy Solution, two of the state’s largest foreign investors. His trip followed a large-scale immigration raid in Georgia that exposed deep vulnerabilities in the state’s labor system—particularly within the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector that Kemp has promoted as a hallmark of his economic agenda.
The raid disrupted operations and drew attention to Georgia’s heavy reliance on underpaid and precarious labor to sustain its growing EV industry. While Kemp has been eager to claim credit for attracting global investment, critics argue that his administration has failed to protect workers’ rights or ensure that Georgia’s economic growth benefits local communities. Rather than confronting the social and labor issues tied to these industries, Kemp’s trip appears to be an attempt to reassure corporations and preserve Georgia’s business-friendly image at any cost.
According to a 2024 Oxfam report, GA was ranked #50 in the country for worker protections, wage policies and right to organize. His prioritization of corporate relationships over fair labor standards, environmental accountability, and immigrant protections reflects a leadership style that puts profit before people—leaving many to question whether his economic strategy truly serves Georgia’s long-term interests.
Rallying for Democracy: How Georgia Democrats Harnessed the ‘No Kings’ Movement
“No Kings Day” took the nation by storm this past summer on June 14, 2025, with a crowd of more than five million American citizens. However, it's not a holiday; it’s a protest. Plainly said, it started as a protest against the idolization of Donald Trump and the reprehensible force used by I.C.E agents against humans that summer.
Prior to the inaugural protest, I.C.E. “crackdowns” had been ramping up in numbers and nature. These agents were behaving in a dehumanizing manner that amplified concerns about the true motivations behind detaining these “illegal citizens.” All the while, Trump made several comments about himself being a “king” and idolizing himself in a way that contradicts our democracy—the foundation of our country.
Last weekend on October 18th, 2025 was another “No Kings Day” demonstration that came in response to the government shutdown and the continued efforts by Trump and his colleagues to thwart democracy and the American public. This crowd was enumerated to be nearly seven million people across the country.
In Georgia, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Democratic organizers across the state used the protests as a platform to rally Georgians around democratic values, constitutional freedoms, and civic participation. They branded the movement as not just an anti-Trump statement but a call to defend democracy itself. At rallies in Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens, Democratic leaders emphasized that the “No Kings” message symbolized resistance to authoritarianism and the need for local engagement—especially with the 2026 midterms approaching. Stacey Abrams, former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and two-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate, delivered a passionate speech in Atlanta, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the protection of democratic values. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock also spoke at the Atlanta rally, urging attendees to continue the fight for justice and equality, and to hold leaders accountable to the people
Our country and Constitution were built on free speech and protections to prevent any leader from becoming a king. Right now, that protection is being challenged. The First Amendment gives every American the right to speak out and criticize the government. Ideas like the Meiklejohnian theory explain that free speech exists so people can take part in government and hold leaders accountable. When citizens know what is happening and vote, they act as a check on government power. Attempts by the current administration to silence protestors and critics are a direct attack on this right.
Below are some photos taken at the “No Kings Day” protest in Athens, GA:
Budget Deadlock Threatens SNAP and Affordable Care in Georgia
ACA healthcare plan costs are set to spike up to four times higher, with deductibles reaching $10,000, as subsidies expire under Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. Congressional Democrats are pushing to reverse these budget cuts, but Republicans continue to refuse funding for healthcare, pushing the government into day 23 of a shutdown. If the government doesn’t reopen by November 1st, Georgia SNAP recipients could miss their November benefits, just weeks before the holiday season, putting food security for thousands of children, seniors, and low-income families in jeopardy. Georgia currently has a $14.6 billion budget surplus, which could easily cover the loss of federal funds, but so far, Governor Kemp and legislative Republicans have not assured the public that they are acting in the best interest of Georgians.
We cannot remain silent while essential services and protections are on the line. Skyrocketing healthcare costs, missed SNAP benefits during the holidays, strained public health programs, and other critical safety nets affect everyday families. That’s why it’s essential to take action: contact your state representatives, attend town halls, and voice your concerns. Stay informed, participate in community discussions, and most importantly, vote in local and state elections. By staying engaged and making our voices heard, we hold leaders accountable and make sure decisions serve everyday Georgians—not just political insiders or corporate interests.
Stand Up, Speak Out, Vote: Georgia’s Future Depends on You
Right now, Americans are facing serious challenges: skyrocketing healthcare costs, the looming loss of essential services due to the government shutdown, and leaders who ignore the voices of the people. These struggles are about more than politics or policy; they are about the kind of democracy we want to live in. Movements like “No Kings” exist to make sure that those in power serve the people, not the other way around.
This year, Georgia voters hold a key lever of influence: two statewide seats on the PSC (Districts 2 & 3) are up for election on November 4, 2025. Advance (early) in-person voting will run roughly from October 14 to October 31, 2025 in most counties. For details on registration, early voting, and polling locations, visit govotega.org to make sure your voice is heard this November.
Why does this matter?
The PSC doesn’t just oversee utility bills—it controls our energy economy, sets the rules for who pays what, and determines how resilient or vulnerable our communities will be. When we let big corporations and corporate-connected politicians occupy these seats unchallenged, we surrender more than just votes. We lose the power to push for fair prices, transparency, and a government that treats everyone with dignity and respect.
But we don’t have to accept that. By voting in the PSC election, by participating in our democracy, we reclaim that story. So show up. Vote early if you can. Bring a friend. Ask your neighbors if they’ve voted. Because when citizens speak out, organize, and vote, we remind our government who it truly answers to—and prove that democracy only works when we all participate.
Until next time,
Fund year-round organizing. Flip the GA State Legislature.
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