GA-05: St. Sen. Nikema Williams considered front-runner to succeed John Lewis
The front-runner, if it can be called that, is state party chairwoman Nikema Williams. The 41-year-old state senator represents a stretch of Lewis’ district in the Georgia Legislature and has built a national profile as one of the state’s foremost female Black political leaders. Her husband, Leslie Small, is a former Lewis aide who considered him a mentor.
Williams didn’t immediately comment over the weekend, but interviews with a dozen Democratic officials who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the process said she’s in leading contention to win the party’s nomination.
Other names have been floated, too. Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin has deep ties with city leaders after serving two terms in the City Hall’s top job.
Atlanta City Councilman Andre Dickens, who is seen as an up-and-coming party figure and is likely to apply, emphasized the need for a “fair, transparent and democratic process.”
Former state Sen. Vincent Fort, who plans to submit his application, said Democrats should consider tapping a “placeholder” who would then give way to a wide-open election in 2022 for the seat.
https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/as-they-mourn-lewis-georgia-democrats-must-quickly-decide-who-will-succeed-him/EF7O5UNBVFFOFBMDXWRTBBXL3E/
