We, the Gwinnett County Democratic Party, stand in solidarity with the Forsyth County Democratic Party. We would be remiss not to speak up, when the moment clearly demands it. The people must know what our party stands for and what we do not stand for. If we are a party of the people, then we must stand with the people, even if it means holding our own accountable. It is not required to toe the party line in all matters, but there are times when the party must take a firm and united stance.
Going forward, we will do more to keep our own elected officials accountable and we encourage community members to voice their concerns openly. We believe this will create a stronger Democratic Party that is prepared to take on the worst Republican Party in modern American history. With our institutions on the line, we intend to work across county and state lines to ensure that our opposition is coordinated and unyielding.
Official Statement on Democratic Unity and Adherence to Our Platform
The Forsyth County Democratic Committee, Georgia, expresses deep disappointment in several Democratic elected officials who, during the 2025 Federal and Georgia Legislative sessions, broke ranks and voted in favor of Republican-led partisan measures that run counter to our party’s platform and the stated positions of our Democratic caucus
When Democrats vote like Republicans, it creates public confusion about what we stand for.
It undermines the hard work of our dedicated volunteers who are holding the line against extremism, and it emboldens the Republican Party to push even more partisan, harmful legislation. It also risks suppressing Democratic voter enthusiasm: our supporters need to trust that when they elect Democrats, those officials will uphold Democratic values in office. When that trust is broken, we see anger and frustration directed at local Democratic organizers, and our fear is that this will lead to disaffection and loss of engagement.
With democracy itself at stake – and with the public’s frustration with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk high – we cannot afford to hand political or legislative victories to Republicans or to validate their agenda while our constituents and values hang in the balance. Likewise, here in Georgia, amid widespread discontent with Governor Brian Kemp’s hard-right legislative push, it is imperative that Democrats stand together rather than bolster Kemp’s initiatives that harm the public interest.
We issue this statement to call for unity and accountability.
We acknowledge that in a diverse party, there will sometimes be differences of opinion or strategy. However, we need to stay united on votes core to Democratic platform priorities: Defending democracy and dissent, protecting the vulnerable, and championing the public interest over corporate or extremist interests.
The members who broke away from those positions have, in doing so, let down their colleagues and constituents. We urge them to reflect deeply on the impact of their choices. We call on every Democratic officeholder, at every level, to reaffirm your commitment to our shared Democratic platform and to the caucus positions derived from it.
When the next session convenes, we expect to see renewed unity and resolve.
The Forsyth County Democratic Committee urges all Democrats to stand together, speak with one voice, and put our values into action consistently. Only through unity can we present a strong alternative to the GOP’s agenda and effectively protect our democracy, our communities, and our ideals.
We are deeply dismayed by a series of votes in 2025 where Democratic lawmakers broke
ranks at key moments, undermining party unity and progressive values.
● In the U.S. House of Representatives, ten Democrats joined Republicans in voting to
censure Rep. Al Green (D-TX) for his good-faith protest during President Trump’s
address to Congress. This GOP-led rebuke sought to silence dissent against Trump’s
agenda. By supporting it, these Democrats punished a colleague for speaking out and
signaled disunity at a critical time—undermining public confidence in the party’s ability to
stand firm against Trump’s extremism.
● In the U.S. Senate, Democratic leaders supported a GOP stopgap budget bill to prevent
a government shutdown. While avoiding a shutdown is important, the bill granted Trump
sweeping discretion over federal spending—stripping key Democratic priorities and
weakening oversight. This move not only handed the GOP a policy win, but also
damaged the party’s credibility in future negotiations.
● In the Georgia State Legislature, several Democrats aligned with Republicans on
partisan bills that conflict with core Democratic principles. One such bill, Senate Bill 68,
was a tort reform measure backed by Governor Brian Kemp that made it harder for
victims to seek justice in court. Despite strong Democratic opposition, three House
Democrats voted “yes,” allowing it to pass by a narrow 91–82 margin.
● Similarly, Senate Bill 144, which shields pesticide manufacturers from liability beyond
federal EPA warnings, passed the House 101–58 with nine Democrats voting in favor.
This bill undermines public health and environmental accountability—long standing
Democratic priorities.
● The discriminatory House Bill 267, also called “Riley Gaines Act,” which bans
transgender youth from sports and restricts bathroom access based on gender identity.
passed the House 102–54, with three Democrats supporting it. Their votes betray the
party’s commitment to equality and the protection of LGBTQ+ youth.
These breaks in unity are not just procedural missteps—they are m oral failures that riskalienating our base, emboldening Republican extremism, and compromising our values at a
time when steadfast opposition is essential