Georgia 2018: Abrams debuts TV, online ads in race for governor

‘She’s fighting against tax hikes that’s gonna hurt guys like me.’
Stacy Abrams, the former House minority leader and current Democratic candidate for governor. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Stacy Abrams, the former House minority leader and current Democratic candidate for governor. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Black women may be the key demographic in next month's Democratic primary. But Stacey Abrams, running to be the nation's first black female governor, went after a different bloc of voters with her first ads.

The 30-second digital spot unveiled over the weekend features a trio of men praising the former state legislative leader’s economic policy.

"She's fighting against tax hikes that's gonna hurt guys like me," said one of the men, Kenny Mullins, "that get up at the crack of dawn to go and work long hours." Watch the ad here. 

On Monday, she also debuted her first TV ad, an introductory spot that features a big-tent message.

"Where you come from shouldn't determine how far you go," Abrams said in the ad.  Watch the ad here. 

Her rival, ex-state Rep. Stacey Evans, launched her first TV ad earlier this month with a vow to "finish the job" and restore awards for the HOPE scholarship.

Five leading Republicans are also in the race: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, former state Sen. Hunter Hill, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, executive Clay Tippins and state Sen. Michael Williams.

Cagle has reserved about $4.5 million in airtime through the primary, while three opponents – Hill, Kemp and Tippins – account for about $2 million combined. Williams has yet to reserve significant TV air time.