While Abrams told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) that she will "likely run again," interviews with over three dozen Democratic leaders, activists, and officials suggest that she may not have the same unified support as in 2018.
Yvonne Stuart, Chair of Monroe County’s Democratic Party, said that Abrams “fell into the trap of becoming too much of a celebrity" between her campaigns and suggested that there may be another "charismatic Democrat that can take us all the way in 2026."
David Ellis-Mendoza, the chair of the Bartow County Democrats, criticized Abrams' team for not building ties with rural and exurban counties. Bobby Kahn, the former head of the Democratic Party of Georgia, even questioned if Abrams would want to be the next “Guy Millner” -- another perennial Georgia loser.
FROM CONTROVERSY TO COMPASSION: DANIEL SNYDER'S JAW-DROPPING GIFT LEAVES NATION IN AWE
Abrams has accused Republicans of "stealing" the election from her in 2018, claiming that Kemp enacted "voter suppression" laws. However, the state experienced record levels of voter turnout in the primary, general, and runoff elections. According to Bluestein, it may be time for Abrams to "make way for up-and-coming Democrats," just as others did for her five years ago when she became the first Black woman to become a major party’s nominee for governor.