Democrat Stacey Evans picked up the endorsement Friday of former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, who pledged his “undying support” for her campaign for Georgia governor.

“Stacey Evans is a survivor. Her life story of growing up in poverty and yet turning her life into a story of hope by graduating from the University of Georgia on the HOPE Scholarship, and then going on to law school has inspired me,” he said. “It is inspiring all Georgians who know her story and meet Stacey Evans.”

Evans, a former state legislator, faces ex-Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams in a May primary for the party’s nomination. The two have raced to divvy up endorsements in the race.

Evans also has the support of former Gov. Roy Barnes and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Abrams influential backers include Reps. Hank Johnson, John Lewis and David Scott as well as Emily’s List women’s advocacy group and the Georgia chapter of the AFL-CIO labor union.

About the Author

Keep Reading

State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston speaks during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Featured

Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools