(Publisher’s note: We occasionally publish Georgia-oriented opinion columns representing various political viewpoints and public policy positions.)
A new political moment is surging through Georgia, as Democrats continue to realize what they can do in a long-red state. Just last month, we saw Democratic state Sen. Jen Jordan triumph in the primary for attorney general, teeing her up to take on incumbent Chris Carr in the November general.
With the 2020 election in our past, the shock and awe of Georgia’s election remains in many voters’ minds. After sitting red on the map for years, the state decisively turned blue as Georgians elected two Democratic U.S. senators and Joe Biden took home our 16 electoral votes. And that was only the beginning.
These results put new hope in the hearts of Democrats across the state, but it can’t be understated that in a state like Georgia, it takes a particular candidate to be successful. It’s not a place where flashy politics triumphs, instead, it’s the hardworking and down to earth candidates that work for the interests of everyday Georgians who can reach audiences from every party.
With the 2022 election season fully underway, Democrats are devoting energy to candidates that can make it through this tough challenge. One of those candidates is Jordan. Through her dedication to a kitchen table-based agenda and consideration for what our state needs, Jordan could become the next statewide Democrat to drive Georgia forward.
The business-focused nature of Jordan’s work in the State Senate, and as a priority on her campaign, is a crucial note in a state experiencing rapid growth and development. With cities like Atlanta seeing new residents each year and thriving entrepreneurial presence in many communities, having an eye on the resources and ideas that can keep Georgia a hotbed of innovation is critical.
Keeping the beat of her campaign on what makes Georgia stronger is a message that all voters can get behind, and it’s what clearly differentiates her from Carr in their leadership of the state.
Take Jordan’s welcoming attitude toward tech investments and partnerships to grow business potential, rather than targeting resources that can benefit Georgia’s future. Where Carr has gone after tech companies with the hope of overregulating an important industry, Jordan understands that partnership, not alienation, is what will make Georgia’s businesses boom.
If anything, Carr’s involvement in political battles against tech companies is his attempt to distract from the lack of progress he’s made on any issues of true concern to Georgians. Jordan’s own op-ed last year explains that the GOP wave of targeting tech companies is fueled by all the wrong reasons, and reiterates that this quest to clamp down on digital resources will hurt residents and business owners.
Once again, recognizing the value of the industry is the way to incorporate the benefits into our cities and see community investments unfold.
One thing is clear – fighting tech companies is a political and harmful battle, and it ignores the issues that really matter. That’s where Jordan steps in, keeping her attention on reproductive rights, voting rights and expanding quality education for all. These are the things voters are asking for action on, and they should be the focus of any candidate seeking to represent the interests of Georgians.
The state is clearly carving a new future, and 2020 was just the beginning of a new wave for Georgia politics. We should be mindful of candidates like Jordan, and the role they can play in Georgia’s future, taking the state to new heights through pragmatic and sensible leadership.
Amanda Shailendra of Atlanta is Managing Partner of the Pendleton Consulting Group.
