Georgia Democrats cancel pre-primary gala that Biden was to attend

Nikema Williams, chairperson of the Democratic Party of Georgia, speaks against President Donald Trump ahead of his visit to Atlanta on Nov. 8, 2019. (Bob Andres / robert.andres@ajc.com)

Nikema Williams, chairperson of the Democratic Party of Georgia, speaks against President Donald Trump ahead of his visit to Atlanta on Nov. 8, 2019. (Bob Andres / robert.andres@ajc.com)

The Democratic Party of Georgia postponed an annual state gala dinner that was set to feature former Vice President Joe Biden, the latest political event that was scrapped over growing concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

State party chair Nikema Williams said Thursday the March 21 event and other future events were postponed “out of an abundance of caution for public health” for the foreseeable future. The decision doesn’t affect the state’s March 24 primary.

"The Democratic Party of Georgia takes the concerns of public health professionals extremely seriously, and we are putting the health and safety of Georgians first," said Williams, a state senator. 
The spread of the disease has fast changed Georgia politics.

Candidates have canceled events, lawmakers have raised the possibility of suspending the Georgia Legislature and U.S. Rep. Doug Collins had to “self-quarantine” after he was exposed to someone with the virus at a conservative conference.

More: ‘It’s surreal.’ Coronavirus casts a pall on Georgia politics