Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) stepped down as chairwoman of the Georgia Democratic Party on Monday after a rule change made the move easier.
On Saturday, Georgia Democrats voted to make the chair position a full-time, paid job. The move was assumed to make it easier for Williams to step down.
“As the first Black woman to chair the DPG, I set out to build a party that wasn’t just reactive but proactive, not just present but powerful,” Williams said in an email sent early Monday to party leaders. “That’s exactly what we did. I remain committed to electing Democrats, expanding opportunity and fighting for a future where every Georgian has a voice and stake in our democracy.”
In November, Williams endorsed the rules change by explaining that making the chair a full-time, paid position would expand the role beyond “independently wealthy folks.”
Williams was first elected to the unpaid, volunteer role in 2019 and was the first black woman elected to the position. Under her reign, the Democratic Party has won statewide contests, including flipping the state blue in the 2020 presidential election.
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However, upon President Donald Trump’s victory in 2024, top Democratic officials, including Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), began calling for Williams to step down from her position. She faced accusations of mismanaging party funds and suggestions that her position in Congress restricted her ability to raise funds because of federal rules.
But Ossoff, who is up for election in 2026, said he didn’t want Williams leading the party “with me at the top of the ticket.” The Senate race could be an uphill battle for Ossoff, with uncertainty as popular Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) mulls running for U.S. Senate.
Williams shared that in a private phone conversation, Ossoff requested that she step down from her position.
“I hope this doesn’t have to become public, but this is something I’m absolutely planning to pursue,” Williams reiterated in a text message she sent to reporters that was obtained by the Atlantic Journal-Constitution.
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Ossoff’s allies have not pushed back on Williams’s characterization of their private phone call
Williams’s resignation follows her decision to withdraw her bid to run as the vice chair for the Democratic National Committee.
