Stacey Abrams defeat: Democrat Ends Fight for Georgia Governor.
Democrat Stacey Abrams on Friday said that it was not possible for her to win the gubernatorial race in Georgia, admitting defeat against Republican Brian Kemp, who had already declared victory in the hotly contested race, reports NPR.
On Election Day, the race was too close to call, and Abrams accused Kemp of suppressing votes as Georgia’s secretary of state in an effort to become governor. “I acknowledge that [Kemp] will be certified the victor in the 2018 gubernatorial elections,” Abrams said, saying her remarks were not a concession speech. “Concession means to acknowledge an act is right, true, or proper. … I cannot concede that.” She said she would file a federal lawsuit to contest the “gross mismanagement” of the election. Abrams’ campaign has said there was evidence of “misconduct, fraud, or irregularities” that may have been enough “to change or place in doubt the results.”
Kemp responded to her speech by applauding her “passion and hard work,” but said “we can no longer dwell on the divisive politics of the past” and must “move forward.” Watch Abrams’ remarks below, via CBS News.
Stacey Abrams, Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, acknowledges Republican Brian Kemp will win race but does not concede https://t.co/lNzqyKrw89 pic.twitter.com/BwzzGqltIK
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 16, 2018