Opinion: Charlie for Georgia
Charlie Bailey for Lieutenant Governor
Georgia Democrats will be returning to the polls next Tuesday to deliver the final verdict in several statewide runoff elections. Among them will be the race for Lieutenant Governor, which features prosecutor Charlie Bailey and former Atlanta city councilmember Kwanza Hall.
I first met Charlie in 2018, during his campaign for Attorney General. Right away, I knew he was an extremely qualified candidate who wanted to serve the people of Georgia, not himself or corporate donors.
Loyal readers know that Charlie was not my first choice in the May primary. At that time, the race featured 9 candidates — many of whom I knew on a personal level. But now that the race has come down to two candidates, I have had more time to examine each candidate’s background very carefully. And I can say that Charlie is the right choice for Georgians.
While Charlie and I are both lifelong Georgians, that’s really where our similarities end. Charlie grew up on his family’s farm in Harris County. I grew up in the middle and upper class suburbs of Cobb County. Charlie is an eighth-generation Georgian. My family’s roots are in Alabama and Florida. Charlie is a white man, and I am a Black man.
Despite all of this, I have come to admire Charlie not just as a friend, but as a brother. We will occasionally talk at length about Georgia politics and national news. And he has also given me a lot of great advice and guidance about school as I prepare to make a huge academic transition.
We may have our differences, but I think our friendship embodies the best of what it means to be a Georgian. This is a state that is known for its diversity and inclusion. No matter our gender, race, religion, politics or orientation, we are a state that is welcoming to everyone. And I believe that Charlie is the only candidate who shares this vision.
He is also brings an insanely long resumé to this race. He earned his J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law, where he also served as class president. He worked as a political director for Mark Taylor’s 2006 campaign for governor. He practiced law at former Gov. Roy Barnes’ law firm, and he served as an assistant prosecutor in the Fulton County District Attorney’s office. I could go on and on about why I believe Charlie is the most qualified candidate in this race, but I’m not sure if I would have enough time.
I also believe that Charlie is better prepared to take on the Republican nominee. State Sen. Burt Jones is a right-wing extremist who conspired with the Trump campaign’s efforts to silence our voices and steal our election. And if he is elected Lieutenant Governor, he will be given a larger platform to do so again in 2024. I have no doubt that Sen. Jones is a fighter for what he believes in, which is why we must do everything we can to help Charlie defeat him in November. In trying times like these, Georgians need a public servant fighting for them under the Gold Dome. Not a conspiracy theorist who will engage in political theatrics to raise his national profile.
Lastly, no matter what happens in November, the Republicans are almost certainly going to maintain their majorities in the state legislature. We need a Lieutenant Governor who is ready on day one to fight egregious legislation such as abortion bans and voting restrictions. We need a Lieutenant Governor who will be an advocate for the Abrams agenda. We need a Lieutenant Governor who will work to bring our lawmakers to the table, not to debate podiums.
Charlie will be that Lieutenant Governor.
Please join me in supporting my friend and my brother in next Tuesday’s runoff election. Take it from me: Charlie will be a voice for the voiceless and a fighter for what’s right. I am proud to support his campaign.
Excellent candidate! I would vote for him.
Well qualified 💯✔️