Democrats lean into immigration debate in Trump’s Georgia turf
National Democrats are taking the debate over immigration legislation to U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s backyard.
The Democratic National Committee on Saturday launched a billboard campaign in four towns across Greene’s deep-red northwest Georgia district shortly before former President Donald Trump was set to headline a rally.
The ads refer to the collapse of a bipartisan immigration bill that included tough border security measures that Republicans had long sought. It failed at the urging of Trump, who warned it could give President Joe Biden an edge.
“Blocking this deal will haunt MAGA Republicans come November when voters in Georgia and across the country will make it clear they want leaders who are focused on delivering solutions, not playing politics,” said spokesman Alex Floyd.
Republicans, meanwhile, have slammed Biden’s immigration policy for a record number of illegal migrant crossings, drug trafficking and threats to public safety.
And Trump has blamed Biden for the slaying of Laken Riley, a nursing student whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus. A Venezuelan native who entered the U.S. illegally was charged with her murder.
Republicans have launched an immigration-themed billboard campaign of their own targeting Biden, who will also hold a rally on Saturday in Georgia.
Election 2024 includes two primaries
The 2024 election year will include two primaries for voters in metro Atlanta and Georgia. The presidential primary is set for March 12, one week after Super Tuesday primaries in a number of states.
The second primary in Georgia will be May 21 for candidates seeking state and local offices and U.S. Congress. The ballot will also include candidates for county commission and the Georgia Legislature, among others, and some local referendums.
Presidential primary information: Candidate Issues Guide | Where do I vote?
Here are key dates for the state and local primary:
- March 4-8: Candidates file paperwork to qualify for the primary. See an updated list of candidates who have submitted paperwork.
- March 4: The first date voters can request absentee ballots.
- April 22: Voter registration deadline.
- April 29: Early in-person voting begins.
- May 21: Election day for the state and local primary. Runoff date would be June 18.
Learn more: Follow state and congressional election news, and the presidential race, on our Politics page. News about city and county elections is on the Metro Atlanta page. Coverage and information will also be found in AJC print and ePaper editions.
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
