ICYMI: Georgia Democrats’ Runoff Coordinated Campaign Holds Virtual Press Conference Highlighting Expanded Coalitions Outreach Operation

Atlanta — Today, the Democratic Party of Georgia held a virtual press conference with Georgia elected officials and community leaders highlighting the Runoff Coordinated Campaign’s expanded coalitions outreach operation, which represents the party’s largest investment in constituency-based organizing and media outreach. The press conference came one day after announcing additional staff to lead this robust coalitions engagement effort.
 
At the press conference, speakers emphasized the importance of turning out a broad coalition to elect Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, highlighted investments in constituency-based organizing and media, and discussed what’s at stake for Georgians in this runoff election. They continued to encourage all Georgians to vote early, either by requesting and returning their absentee ballot to a local drop box, or by making a plan to vote early in person starting Monday, December 14. 
 
A recording of the press conference is available here. See quotes from the event below.

“When you look at the map of results for the presidential election and see a blue Georgia, that is a direct result of all the hard work these different coalitions have been putting in for years,” said State Representative-elect Marvin Lim. “I’m confident that this same group of voters, volunteers, and supporters can deliver another victory for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock for U.S. Senate, but we cannot take these elections for granted because there’s so much at stake. We have a lot of work to do in the next 25 days to mobilize every Georgian and every community. I look forward to being part of those very diverse efforts.”

“Thanks to the hard work of our coalition and organizers, we know that AAPI turnout for the 2020 election in Georgia increased 91% compared to 2016. We also know that the AAPI community voted overwhelmingly for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris,” said Anjali Enjeti, Co-Founder of They See Blue Georgia. “We know that investing in minority communities in Georgia works and it increases voter turnout. We appreciate the fact that the Democratic Party is being supportive and making sure that we can connect with our own voters, because that is what is going to turn out these voters again.”

“It’s clear that the Latino community powered the Democratic gains we saw in Georgia. From electing Carolyn Bourdeaux in the 7th Congressional District to electing Joe Biden president, Latinos showed up and we will continue to expand our electorate,” said State Representative-elect Zulma Lopez. “Our message to our community is clear: Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock are going to fight for the issues that matter to our community. That’s why on January 5, we have to say goodbye to corruption, to failed leadership, to incompetent leadership, and elect two champions for the Latino community.”

“Teniendo los dos senadores, el candidato Raphael Warnock y Jon Ossoff, como senadores nos dará la oportunidad de poder seguir con la plataforma del presidente-electo Joe Biden y la vicepresidenta electa Kamala Harris. Los senadores Perdue y Loeffler no van a prestar atención a lo que nosotros queremos hacer. Este 5 de enero, necesito que vayan a votar. Que voten por adelantado empezando el lunes 14 de diciembre,” said State Representative Pedro Marin.

“We will need Black voters to turn up and turn out the same way they turned out last month if we want to elect Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to the United States Senate and Daniel Blackman to the Public Service Commission. That’s why we will spend the next 25 days making sure that voters in every corner of the state are voting and voting early for this vital election,” said State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick. “Every day is election day here in Georgia and January 5 is just the deadline. Between now and election day, you have the opportunity to cast your ballot for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to restore the soul of the Senate and help President-elect Biden restore our nation and to elect Daniel Blackman to statewide office.”

“As a member of the Georgia youth leadership council for Biden-Harris, I saw firsthand the impact young people can make when we engage, mobilize, and empower our generation to vote,” said Emily Carrillo, Georgia State student and activist. “That’s why I’m proud to support Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock for Senate, because they will prioritize the needs of young Georgians and will fight for us. We have to vote like our futures depend on it, because they do. We can’t afford to sit this one out. Make your plan to vote early to flip the Senate.”

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