Cobb County Commissioner Jerica Richardson is running to represent the United States Congress out of the newly-created Sixth District. Richardson initially announced her intentions to run in September 2023. However, Richardson re-affirmed her decision to run for the redrawn Sixth in January. That decision now sets up a primary battle against incumbent Congresswoman Lucy McBath.
Richardson was elected in 2020 to the County Commission to represent an east Cobb district, the 2nd District. Richardson quickly became persona non grata among Republican legislators who changed the political boundaries to preserve the two GOP seats on the board and ultimately drew Richardson out. Soon thereafter, the Democratic-controlled commission responded by filing a petition to override the Legislature’s decision by amending its own map to protect Richardson. Their appeal proved successful.
“You know, we started on this campaign journey, almost a year ago last year. Overtime, we’ve been able to inspire so many people in both the old Sixth District and the new Sixth District,” explained Richardson. “We’re excited about making sure that real issues make it to the conversation and that real solutions are presented.”
During an interview shortly after qualifying for the race, Richardson said she maintains her respect for Congresswoman McBath. Richardson reiterated that the Sixth is the newest majority-Black district in Georgia and seeks to have substantive conversation around the issues.
“And we know [the Sixth] has been historically under invested and underfunded,” explained Richardson. “And there has to be a strong message that we’re pulling people in, that we’re not afraid to bring people together who may not want to sit together and really make sure that we are being competitive for the entire district.
Richardson promises to be competitive and the public has the chance to hear the visions on offer this Monday, April 15th. Georgia Rep. Mandisha Thomas of South Fulton, and conservative Jeff Criswell, plus Congresswoman McBath will participate in a candidate forum in Austell.
To this point, Richardson is grateful for the love she’s received from her colleagues. But, she realizes it’s the relationships between the community and elected leaders that create the runway for meaningful changes to take place.
“Without those relationships, you can’t make anything happen. You know that it takes a village,” says Richardson. “There’s a reason why those proverbs that we like to repeat over and over again. It’s overwhelming. It’s overwhelming. And it’s a blessing. It’s an honor. You know, every time people come to me with their individual stories about how the work we’ve done has inspired them. There’s nothing that matches that feeling.”