Stacey Abrams Discusses 2018 Election Loss and Future Goals

On Monday, Stacey Abrams, a two-time Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia, spoke with MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace. During their conversation, she clarified that she doesn’t deny losing the 2018 race. Instead, she aimed to redefine what victory means to inspire her supporters.

Abrams, who may run for governor again, did not officially concede to GOP Governor Brian Kemp in 2018. She had accused Kemp of implementing policies that suppressed voters. Despite this, she’s acknowledged Kemp as a legitimate governor, saying her previous challenges to the election were not a denial of his position.

In the interview on Wallace’s podcast, The Best People, Abrams emphasized her commitment to her community, stating, “When I lost the election in 2018, I was never confused about it.” She conveyed a message to her supporters: “We won,” indicating progress rather than just titles should be the focus.

Abrams commented on the notion of winning in politics, saying that merely framing victory as an election outcome might keep Democrats politically adrift. “If we have to wait for this massive announcement like an election, we’ll continue to lose,” she cautioned. She believes in celebrating smaller achievements and recognizing incremental progress.

Abrams pointed out that the ultimate goal of some political opponents is to stifle voices and silence dissent, emphasizing the need for continued engagement in democracy.

Reflecting on her experiences and future ambitions, she asserts that cultural victories are crucial alongside electoral ones. As she looks forward, Abrams remains optimistic about the potential for change, urging her party to recognize that victories can come in various forms, not just through formal announcements.