Progressive state legislator enters Georgia governor race
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State Rep. Ruwa Romman attends as people protest on June 14 in Philadelphia as part of the No Kings Rallies at Love Park. Photo: Lisa Lake/Getty Images for No Kings
The first Palestinian American woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly is running to become the state's next governor.
Why it matters: State Rep. Ruwa Romman, who represents parts of Gwinnett County, is a rising star among progressives, who since 2024 have clashed with moderate Democrats for their stances on various issues including Israel's war in Gaza and President Trump's policies.
Driving the news: Romman, who launched her campaign on Monday, said in a press release that if elected, she'll focus on "rolling back the disastrous results of 20 years of Republican dominance and make Georgia an affordable place where everyone can belong."
What they're saying: In a video announcing her campaign, Romman said she's running on a platform that "puts Georgians first."
- The granddaughter of Palestinian refugees, Romman was born in Jordan, grew up in Forsyth County and graduated from South Forsyth High School.
- "My family lost everything and had to rebuild from nothing," she said. "My family's history and the skills taught to me by civil rights heroes made me never back down from a fight."
Flashback: Romman was first elected to the Legislature in 2022 and has become a popular figure among more progressive Democrats.
- She was among names proposed by the Uncommitted Movement — a group of Palestinian American and pro-Palestinian delegates critical of Biden's handling of Gaza — for a speaking slot at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The request was denied, sparking protests.
- Romman ultimately supported Kamala Harris's presidential run, despite the group declining to endorse the former vice president.
The big picture: The 2026 race will be an open contest, as incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp is term-limited.
- Romman joins four other Democrats — former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former State Sen. Jason Esteves, former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, State Rep. Derrick Jackson and ex-Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (who earlier this year switched parties) — running in the gubernatorial seat.
- Republicans running for the seat include Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Friction point: Romman's campaign is already drawing criticism from more moderate Democrats.
- State Rep. Esther Panitch, the only Jewish person serving in the lower chamber, said her colleague's campaign for governor is "sabotaging the Democratic Party with her Mamdani-like, socialist platform," according to the AJC.
- Romman told Axios in a statement that her campaign is focused on people who have been cast aside by "politics as usual."
- "I invite all of my colleagues to look at my platform of raising the minimum wage, feeding hungry kids, reopening hospitals, supporting small businesses, and taking homes back from corporations," she said. "These are issues we have been and will continue to work on."
What we're watching: Whether the field of candidates on both sides of the aisle will get more crowded.