Democratic state Rep. Mesha Mainor of Atlanta announced on Tuesday that she is switching parties, stating that it was a “moral” decision, not a political one.
“My name is Rep. Meisha Mainor and today I made the decision to leave the Democrat Party. I represent a blue district in the city of Atlanta so this wasn’t a political decision for me. It was a MORAL one. I will NEVER apologize for being a black woman with a mind of my own,” Mainor tweeted.
My name is Rep. Meisha Mainor and today I made the decision to leave the Democrat Party.
I represent a blue district in the city of Atlanta so this wasn’t a political decision for me. It was a a MORAL one.
I will NEVER apologize for being a black woman with a mind of my own. pic.twitter.com/q3snDGejCN
— Rep. Mesha Mainor (@MeshaMainor) July 11, 2023
The lawmaker said she faced “harassment and intimidation” from Democrats after breaking with the party on votes for private school vouchers, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution — the measure reportedly failed to pass when a number of rural Republicans concerned about a lack of private school options in their areas opposed it.
“Members of the Democrat Party have publicly slandered me in every way imaginable,” Mainor said during a press conference at the Georgia Capitol. “if it’s not your values to support kids in school where only 3% can read, I don’t have the same values.”
Mainor said the Democratic Party doesn’t have her community’s best interests at heart, according to Capitol Beat.
“As a lifelong Democrat … I blindly followed a vision that is far from reality,” she said. “It is time to put people and sound policy above politics and false narratives.”
Georgia Republican Chairman Josh McKoon was only too happy to welcome Mainor to the House GOP Caucus.
“This is a historic day for Georgia Republicans,” McKoon said. “Our party stands for empowering parents to be advocates for giving their children the best education possible.”
The move gives the GOP a 102-78 majority in the Georgia General Assembly and the AJC cited state House officials to report that Mainor is believed to be the first black woman to serve as a Republican in the body.
Georgia State Representative Mesha Mainor announces that she is switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party.
She represents a heavily Democratic district in Atlanta.
It shifts the Republican-Democrat balance of power in the Georgia State House to 102-78. #gapol pic.twitter.com/YUXlsPuhkG
— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) July 11, 2023
The odds of Mainor being reelected are long, but the lawmaker understood that in making the decision to become a Republican.
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story from Twitter:
We warmly welcome you into the Republican Party.
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) July 11, 2023
Good to see folks waking up and standing up for what’s right
— Javon A. Price (@JavonAPrice) July 11, 2023
Selfless and brave! Thank you for standing strong for the children in your district.
— Sara James (@saraforamerica) July 11, 2023
Good for you! May you be a beacon for others to see their way to clear thought.
Stay true to yourself and good luck!
— Jenn Ecks Redux (@CactusCat236) July 11, 2023
Congratulations, a brave decision on your part. We need more independently-minded principled leaders who are willing to put people over party.
— Righteous⚡️Crusader (@Craftmastah) July 11, 2023
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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