This Week We Need You To: 

1. Take a break!

   Election season has been exhausting, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Now is the time to recharge. Step away from the stress, do what brings you joy, and give yourself the rest you deserve.

2. Once you’ve rested, get involved in your community.

   Now more than ever, we need to come together. The work isn't over, and our communities need us. Volunteer with local organizations, participate in community initiatives, or take a moment to check in on your loved ones

The Nightmare of a Second Trump Term

As election night wore on, it became increasingly clear that Democrats nationwide and pro-Democracy allies worldwide were in for a long night.

When it was all said and done, Donald Trump had won all seven swing states and the presidency, beating Vice-President Kamala Harris in the Electoral College and the popular vote. It was an astounding outcome, given Trump’s 34 felony convictions, his leading of an insurrection to stay in power, and a campaign focused mainly on personal grievances and hate.

Shocking. Devastating. Terrifying.

A profoundly life-altering result that will no doubt bring needless suffering and death to so many people in this country. And “we the people” of these United States, voted for it.

So how did it happen?

Across the globe, incumbent governments have lost vote shares in record numbers, primarily due to poor economic conditions for working-class people. Here in America, it was no different.

Despite a roaring stock market and low unemployment, there was a 6-point swing to the right, paving the way for a second Trump Presidency. For all of the talk about how great the economy is doing, it did not match people’s lived experience. In this CBS News exit poll, roughly two-thirds of voters described the economy as “bad.” Other exit polls showed the same.

Those voters decided the election.

It should be noted that there was only a 3-point swing to the right in swing states, meaning the Harris/Walz campaign had an impact – just not one big enough to offset economic concerns and political headwinds.

What Does Trump’s Election Mean For Georgians?

Trump’s reelection threatens to undo the progress Georgia has made in key areas, including:

• Voting rights and social equity: A second Trump administration could roll back protections, disproportionately affecting communities of color and vulnerable populations.

• Healthcare: Federal resistance to healthcare expansion could hinder Georgia’s efforts to push for Medicaid, leaving many without coverage.

• Clean energy: Trump's stance could slow the growth of Georgia’s clean energy sector, undermining the state’s job creation and climate action.

Georgia Democrats are committed to defending hard-won progress in these areas, but Trump’s return could make this an uphill battle, impacting lives across the state.

Election Night in the Georgia Legislature

Endorsed Candidates Takeaways

Bryce Berry (Won)

In good news for Democrats and Georgians, Bryce Berry secured a victory in Georgia HD 56, flipping the seat with a decisive 83.9% of the vote to defeat the incumbent. As a public school teacher and community leader, Bryce is committed to bettering the lives of everyday Georgians and their communities. The 2030 Project is proud to support Bryce as he transitions from victory to the Gold Dome in 2025.

Ashwin Ramaswami (Lost)

Ashwin Ramaswami ran a tight race against Republican Shawn Still, ultimately ending with 46.5% of the vote. Regardless of the outcome, reflecting on his campaign's achievements, Ramaswami remarked, "Our campaign united overlooked communities and inspired unprecedented voter turnout. Onwards and upwards!" His team revealed that the campaign has raised over $412,000, with $297,000 in cash reserves. These impressive fundraising efforts enabled him to surpass Still in both financial support and community engagement.

Michelle Kang (Lost)

Michelle Kang, who ran a strong campaign in HD 99, lost in a very close race, securing 48.92% of the vote with just 627 votes separating her from the incumbent. This is a significant improvement over the Democrat who ran in 2022. Despite the loss, Georgians will continue to support Michelle’s priorities, including economic mobility, reproductive freedom, and more.

Debra Shigley (Lost)

Debra Shigley delivered a remarkable performance in HD 47, one of the most challenging districts to flip. While past candidates earned 30-35% of the vote, Shigley broke new ground with 38.3%, signaling a shifting dynamic. Her campaign highlighted how effective outreach and better access to information are empowering voters to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Laura Murvartian (Lost)

Laura Murvartian ran a competitive campaign in HD 48 against Republican Scott Hilton in a closely contested race. Although Hilton won with 54.87% of the vote, Murvartian's campaign rallied an impressive turnout of over 11,000 votes. This district remains one to watch as powerful Democratic candidates like Murvartian show potential to flip the district back to blue with continued momentum and voter engagement.

Other Races To Recap

Michelle Au (Won)

State Representative Michelle Au won reelection in HD 50, defeating Republican Narender Reddy, 55% to 45%. Despite being targeted by Governor Kemp’s leadership committee, Au improved on her 2022 margin. As a physician and advocate, her expertise in healthcare policy strengthens efforts for Medicaid expansion, science-based policies, and accessible healthcare for our communities.

Farooq Mughal (Lost)

In the state’s closest race, State Representative Farooq Mughal lost his HD 105 seat by 80 votes to Republican Sandy Donatucci, backed by Governor Kemp’s leadership committee. This race was the only Democratic incumbent loss in the State House and a significant setback in Gwinnett. HD 105 will be a top Democratic target in 2026 when U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is up for reelection. Mughal’s loss shifts the State House balance to a 100-80 Republican advantage when the General Assembly convenes in January.

Susie Greenberg (Lost)

Susie Greenberg, the Democratic candidate for HD 53, narrowly lost to Republican incumbent Deborah Silcox, 52% to 48%. Silcox had flipped this historically Democratic Atlanta district in 2022 by less than 1,500 votes, making it one of Georgia’s most “flippable” seats in 2024. Greenberg’s platform on reproductive rights and public education drew strong support, making this a tough loss for Democrats seeking to gain ground.