Rep. Nikema Williams reportedly steps down as Georgia Democratic Party chair

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Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Dist. 5)

ATLANTA - U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams stepped down Monday as chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, following growing criticism over whether a sitting lawmaker could effectively lead the party, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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What we know:

Her resignation came after the State Committee approved a rule requiring the chair to serve full-time. Williams had supported the change, saying it would open the role to more people, not just the wealthy.

Williams, who became the first Black woman to lead the party in 2019, faced pressure from party insiders, donors, and even U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff to step aside, with critics arguing the job needs someone not restricted by federal fundraising limits.

Williams signaled she would step down following last year's Presidential election after Sen. John Ossoff and others reportedly called for a change in leadership.

Williams supported a change that would make the party chair a  paid full-time position.

"If you look at the results in 2024, there's got to be some rebranding, there's got to be some restructuring," told FOX 5.

What they're saying:

Williams issued the following statement:

"When I was elected to the role of Chairwoman in 2019, Georgia was on the cusp of an extraordinary shift that few would buy into. Through strategic vision, relentless organizing, and an unwavering belief in the power of our people, we turned this state into the battleground it was always meant to be. Under my leadership, we elected both Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to the U.S. Senate, sent a Democrat to the White House for the first time in 28 years,  expanded our influence in the state legislature and flipped hundreds of municipal and county seats—proving that Georgia’s political future belongs to those willing to fight for it.

"None of this happened overnight or alone. It took a strategy led by Democratic Elected officials, DPG State Committee members, County Party members, activists, union leaders, civil rights groups, civic engagement organizations and so many more. In partnership we have turned the DPG into a national force and I know the best is still yet to come.

"My work has always been about how to best serve the people. Democrats in this state and the people of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. In both roles the objectives are the same: safer, healthier communities for our children, a stronger democracy, true reproductive freedom and economic opportunity for everyone–no matter their ZIP code or bank account.

"Progress demands evolution, y'all. Just as we have pushed the boundaries to reach this point, Georgia Democrats must push boundaries once more. For the party to meet the moment while honoring its commitment to working people, the role of Chair cannot remain an uncompensated volunteer position.

"The Democratic Party of Georgia State Committee met Saturday, March 29th in Oglethorpe County. I called the meeting to discuss and adopt proposed language that I instructed the bylaws committee to work on over the last few months, with your input, under the leadership of Bylaws Committee Chairman Will Fowlkes.

"As we move forward as a state party and battleground state, with the approval of a majority of the state committee members voting, we will now have paid full time Chair, required by our bylaws.

"I was clear from the beginning of this process, that once the approved language was adopted, this would prohibit me from continuing to serve as your Chairwoman due to ethics rules in the US House of Representatives.

"This is an exciting time in our party as we continue to move from a light shade of Periwinkle to a bright shade of Blue.

"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. 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. That work doesn’t end here and neither do I as I remain a member of both the state committee and executive committee and the Congresswoman for Georgia’s Fighting Fifth.

"Effective immediately, our 1st Vice Chair will assume the role of interim chair until the state committee elects a permanent chair as laid out in our governing documents.

"As times continue to get hard as they have been for our communities over the last few months under a Trump/Musk Presidency, remember the words of the late Congressman John Lewis, "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime." 

Sen. Esteves is a member of the state Democratic Party executive committee. He praised Williams for the progress Georgia Democrats have seen during her tenure. "I look forward to building on that progress with her and  with other leaders of this party as we  enter  this cycle this year with some statewide elections and also enter statewide elections next year," Esteves said.

The other side:

Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon issued a written statement following news of a change in GDP leadership saying quote:

"Our win was so historic and the humiliation of the Democrats in Georgia so complete that the sitting member of Congress that served as their Party Chairman was shamed into quitting.

Let’s Keep Winning Georgia Republicans!"

Dig deeper:

Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson said Georgia Democrats are laser focused on the internal work that must be done ahead of the 2026 mid-terms. "I think that while the chair of  the party will be a different man or woman  going forward, we've still got to focus on some of our infrastructure, fundraising and more so making sure  that  the messaging  to help these candidates when they run in 2026 that it's in place for them to be able to be victorious again."

What's next:

First Vice Chair Matthew Wilson will serve as interim chair until a new leader is elected.

FOX 5 Atlanta is reaching out to Williams' office for a statement.