Georgia 2018: Stacey Abrams picks up early support in gov bid

Stacey Abrams speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Stacey Abrams speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams has some early support from national Democrats in her gubernatorial bid.

Jason Kander, the moderate Missouri Democrat who won statewide office in a red state, tweeted his endorsement of Abrams on Monday. The former Missouri secretary of state told his followers "you're gonna love Stacey" and called her "one of the smartest people I've ever met."

The Atlanta Democrat also will raise cash on Wednesday at a fundraiser hosted by Alexander Soros, the son of the billionaire Democratic mega-donor George Soros - and a favorite foil of Republicans. The event will cost $10,000 to host and $6,600 to sponsor.

Abrams, who formally announced her bid on Saturday, faces Democratic state Rep. Stacey Evans in next year's primary. Abrams' announcement coincided with endorsements from Emily's List and Democracy for America in what was meant to be a show-of-force from her nascent campaign.

Abrams spokeswoman Priyanka Mantha said she was looking forward to "continuing the conversation about how we can build a stronger Georgia" with a Tuesday stop in Macon.

Democrats face a tough climb in flipping Georgia, which has been in GOP hands since 2002. Four Republicans are in the race: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and state Sens. Hunter Hill and Michael Williams.

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And: Georgia governor race: Who is running in 2018