Atlanta, Georgia — State Representative Ruwa Romman, 32, announced Monday her candidacy for Governor of Georgia, a position that has been held exclusively by Republicans since 2003. Her campaign centers on sweeping reforms in education, healthcare, and wages, with promises to raise the state’s minimum hourly wage and strengthen hospitals to better serve their communities.
Breaking Barriers in Georgia Politics
Romman, the first Palestinian-American elected to state office in Georgia and the state’s first Muslim woman legislator, won her seat in 2022 representing suburban Gwinnett County. Her candidacy now places her in the national spotlight, marking a historic moment for both Muslim Americans and progressive Democrats.
Her announcement follows a year of tension with her own party. In 2024, Democratic leaders declined to give her a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, despite progressive calls for a voice representing frustration with President Biden’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza.
Undeterred, Romman declared:“We’re not just rebuilding a coalition, we’re rebuilding faith that government can be an instrument of justice — not just a face for power.”
A Crowded Democratic Primary Ahead
Romman enters a competitive Democratic primary scheduled for May 2026. While Rep. Lucy McBath, once considered the frontrunner, withdrew last year, the field remains crowded. Candidates include:
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Jason Esteves, former State Senator
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Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Mayor of Atlanta
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Michael Thurmond, former CEO of DeKalb County
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State Rep. Derrick Jackson
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Geoff Duncan, former Lt. Governor
Balancing Identity and Policy
While Romman is outspoken about her anti-war positions — including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli and Palestinian hostages, and building a path toward peace — she insists her campaign is “not just about Palestine, but about Georgia.”
She positions herself as a voice for all voters who feel abandoned by government, not just younger progressives but also older, disillusioned Georgians.
“I’m running to build a movement and a coalition,” Romman said. “Government should serve everyone — not just special interests.”
A Voice for Uncommitted Voters
Romman became a prominent figure among “uncommitted” voters frustrated by Biden’s handling of the Gaza war. Images of civilian casualties, particularly children, reshaped the political consciousness of many Americans, fueling her call for the Democratic Party to acknowledge dissent within its base.
She wears the hijab openly and makes no attempt to hide her identity, but she emphasizes that her platform is rooted in bread-and-butter issues facing Georgians:
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Rising costs of food and utilities
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Homeownership taxes
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Economic fairness for working families
Romman said her campaign seeks to overcome cynicism and restore civic engagement, framing government as a shared space for all.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Romman hopes her run will inspire others, especially Democrats in traditionally challenging districts, to step forward and fight for representation.
“Nothing we’re fighting for is unpopular,” she added. “Change comes when people believe government can be for them again.”