VRLA WOMEN TO WATCH 2024
Georgia, meet your candidates
Georgia’s primary election day was Tuesday, May 21st.
Congratulations to all the winners! We also send our appreciation to everyone who ran. All these candidates bring new perspectives and offer ideas for real progressive change to communities throughout the state.
State Senate Candidates
Terracia Wilkinson
Senate District 28
Terracia Brown-Wilkinson is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of event management experience and a stellar reputation as a publicist to Atlanta’s elite. She is also the founder of Brown Girls Brunch, a national platform highlighting the achievements of African American businesswomen. Terracia is committed to turning her insights into impactful solutions that empower every Georgian.
Isioma Euriel Hemmerly
Senate District 33
Euriel Hemmerly is a realtor and community advocate and was appointed by the Cobb County School Board Superintendent to the Facilities and Technology Citizens Oversight Committee. Euriel is an immigrant from Nigeria and has been advocating for inclusive representation in government for more than 20 years.
Kenya Wicks
Senate District 34
Kenya Wicks grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army, retiring with rank of major. She serves as Vice Chair of the Fayette County Democratic Committee and promotes the interests of foster care children as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA). Kenya is the proud mother of three sons and a goldendoodle affectionately named Major.
Sadia Mahmood Ali
Senate District 37
Dr. Sadia Mahmood Ali is a foot and ankle surgeon who has been in private practice in Georgia since 2013. She completed medical school at New York College of Podiatric Medicine and finished her residency at University of Florida Shands Medical Center, where she served as chief resident in her final year. Sadia enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Nkoyo Effiong Lewis
Senate District 38
Nkoyo-Ene Effiong Lewis is a mother, attorney, and former teacher. The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Nkoyo learned early the value of community and education. As an advocate for children, she started her own firm to help families navigate a complex education system. Nkoyo and her husband live in Southwest Atlanta with their two children.
Sally Harrell
Senate District 40
Senator Sally Harrell was elected to Senate District 40 in 2018, after serving in the State House from 1999 to 2005. Prior to becoming a legislator, she was the Executive Director of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. Senator Harrell helped pass a landmark law protecting mothers who breastfeed in public after breastfeeding her own newborns in the House chamber.
Elena Parent
Senate District 44
Senator Elena Parent was elected to the State House in 2010, as one of only 12 Democrats in the nation to unseat a Republican incumbent. Since being elected to the State Senate in 2014, she has focused on education, healthcare, and gun reform. Senator Parent is Chairwoman of the Democratic Caucus, and is an attorney by trade. She lives in Atlanta with her husband Briley and their two sons.
Iris Hamilton
Senate District 55
Iris Hamilton is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of clinical experience. She was instrumental in advocating for the passage of SB 166, which allows Georgia to become a member of the Nurse Compact, improving access to care for all Georgians. Iris has served on a multitude of community boards and is currently serving with the Gwinnett County Northside Hospital.
State Representative Candidates
Lisa Campbell
House District 35
Representative Lisa Campbell grew up in Cobb County as the oldest of three girls and has always stood up for what she believes in: protecting greenspace, protecting voting rights, advocating for women’s rights, and rallying diverse coalitions against overcharging for water. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia and was elected in 2022, as the first female legislator for House District 35.
Danielle Bell
House District 44
Danielle Bell learned the value of hard work and compassion growing up on her family farm in Indiana. She earned a full scholarship to DePauw University and began her career at a community mental health center. Danielle is a clinical therapist and small business owner. She and her husband, retired Navy Chief Jason Bell, live in Cobb County with their three daughters.
Anthia Carter
House District 47
Anthia Carter is an ordained minister, public speaker, and author. Born and raised in Georgia, she is a graduate of the Irene K. Woodruff Scholar program at Agnes Scott College. Her early experiences in writing gave her the courage to use her voice to positively impact others, leading her to a life of servant leadership. Anthia lives in Milton with her husband David, who is a Navy veteran.
Grace Demit
House District 49
Grace Demit is a powerful candidate running for Georgia State Senate. She is committed to serving her community with determination and integrity, aiming to represent all constituents. She seeks to address the diverse needs of District 49, regardless of political affiliation.
Adalina Capuli Merello
House District 56
Ada is a changemaker, operating under vast personal experiences and commitment to her community. As a renter, waitress, and student of public policy, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by her neighbors, making her uniquely qualified to address issues such as rental laws, equitable education, and public safety in order to create meaningful change in her community.
Mekyah McQueen
House District 61
Mekyah McQueen is an educator, advocate, and daughter of the district she is running to represent. As a current high school teacher, Mekyah will bring a unique perspective to the State House that is deeply rooted in the daily experiences of students and families. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and finds joy in music and the arts.
Melanie Miller
House District 124
Melanie Miller is a lifelong Georgia resident and a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, where she served as a combat medic. She presently serves on the Greensboro Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and Greene County Historic Society. Melanie is the proud mother of four adult children and has 10 grandchildren.
Alyssa Nia Williams
House District 140
Alyssa Nia Williams is a Columbus native with deep roots in District 140. She co-founded Columbus Georgia Reloaded, a nonprofit with a mission to bridge the gap between citizens and resources. Nia has more than 20 years of advocacy and leadership experience, and is determined to represent the interests and concerns of her community to make a positive impact.
Federal Candidates
CONGRATS TO OUR MAY 21 WINNERS!
Nikema Williams
Georgia's 5th Congressional District
Lucy McBath
Georgia's 6th Congressional District
Lexy Doherty
Georgia's 10th Congressional District
Liz Johnson
Georgia's 12th Congressional District
Local Candidates
CONGRATS TO OUR MAY 21 WINNERS!
Angela Brown
Superior Court Judge - Cobb Circuit Seat 5
Ann Marie Emmons
Decatur County Chief Magistrate
Veronica Higgs Cope
Gwinnett County State Court Judge - Seat 6
Shermela Williams
Superior Court Judge - Atlanta Circuit, Seat 19
Patsy Austin-Gatson
Gwinnett County District Attorney
Deborah Jackson
Greene County Superior Court Clerk
Laura Judge
Cobb County School Board
District 5
Lydia Powell
Fayette County School Board
District 1
Monique Sheffield
Cobb County Commissioner
District 4
Connie Taylor
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
Geraldine West Hudley
Dougherty County School Board At-Large
THANK YOU FOR RUNNING!
Laketha Ashe
Muscogee County School Board
District 7
Christina Peterson
Douglas County Probate Judge
Andrea Alabi
Gwinnett County District Attorney
Royal Anderson
Muscogee County Coroner
Lyndsey Coates
Fulton County School Board
District 1
Brunessa Drayton
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
Sonya Russell-Ofchus
Fulton County Commissioner
District 4
Rita Scott
DeKalb County Commissioner
District 4
Rachel Stone
Gwinnett County School Board
District 1
If you’re a candidate wanting to update your information or have questions, contact info@vrlaction.org
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