Mesha Mainor, a Democratic representative in the Georgia House since January 2021, has officially decided to change her party affiliation to Republican, creating a stir among her former Democratic peers in the Georgia legislature. Mainor’s shift in allegiance follows her recent support for a school choice bill, which led to tensions with her Democrat colleagues.
Mainor stated:
“When I decided to stand up on behalf of disadvantaged children in support of school choice, my Democrat colleagues didn’t stand by me,” Mainor explained of her decision in a statement to Fox News Digital. “They crucified me. When I decided to stand up in support of safe communities and refused to support efforts to defund the police, they didn’t back me. They abandoned me.”
“For far too long, the Democrat Party has gotten away with using and abusing the black community,” she added. “For decades, the Democrat Party has received the support of more than 90% of the black community. And what do we have to show for it? I represent a solidly blue district in the city of Atlanta. This isn’t a political decision for me. It’s a moral one.”
The announcement came Tuesday, just before noon. Despite her decision to change her party registration, Mainor asserted that her willingness to cooperate with both sides of the aisle remains steadfast. She stressed that her commitment to serving her community and constituents will not waver regardless of her party affiliation.
In addressing her decision to switch parties, Mainor revealed she had received considerable encouragement. She found it uplifting to be acknowledged and supported by those who respect her independent thinking and willingness to challenge party orthodoxy, which, according to her, was a refreshing experience.
When questioned about possible resistance from Democrats regarding her switch, Mainor responded with candor, suggesting that independent-thinking black individuals may pose a perceived threat to the Democratic Party, and hence wouldn’t be shocked if backlash ensued.
Mainor outlined her future agenda as a Republican: to persist in advocating for education and to work towards bolstering the Republican majority in the House.
