Image Credit: LinkedIn
Atlanta: State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes has officially declared her candidacy for Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, showing the need for bold leadership to secure Democratic victories in the upcoming 2026 elections.
If elected, Islam Parkes would make history as the first Muslim woman to lead the state party.
Key Facts
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Islam Parkes announced her candidacy on April 3, 2025, highlighting her commitment to strengthening the party's infrastructure across Georgia.
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She currently serves as the State Senator for Georgia's 7th District, a position she has held since January 2023.
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The Democratic Party of Georgia has scheduled elections for the chair position on May 3, 2025.
Islam Parkes brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy. Before her tenure in the State Senate, she worked on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and at the Democratic National Committee, where she contributed to raising millions for Southern campaigns.
In her announcement, Islam Parkes stated, "We need bold leadership who won’t back down from a fight. I will hold the GOP’s feet to the fire and fight to elect Democrats up and down the ballot."
In the 2020 election cycle, she served as Senior Advisor to the Gwinnett Democratic Party and founded "Save Our Senate," mobilizing over 34,000 voters during the Senate runoffs.
Her legislative priorities have included advocating for Medicaid expansion, eliminating sales tax on essential goods like diapers and menstrual products, and implementing gun safety reforms.
In 2024, she was nominated for EMILY’s List’s Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award, recognizing her impact in public office.
The upcoming election for the chair position is particularly significant as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle, which includes the re-election campaign of Senator Jon Ossoff.
Islam Parkes has identified this as a top priority, stating, "We won in 2020 and 2022 by energizing our base while also appealing to new voters, and we can do it again."
As the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State Senate, Islam Parkes continues to break barriers.
Her candidacy for party chair represents a commitment to diversifying leadership and strengthening the Democratic Party's presence throughout Georgia.
Do You Know?
Nabilah Islam Parkes is set to become the first woman in the Georgia Senate to give birth while in office, marking another historic milestone in her career.
Key Terms
Medicaid Expansion: A policy aimed at extending Medicaid coverage to more low-income individuals, as part of the Affordable Care Act.
EMILY’s List’s Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award: An award recognizing women in public office who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to progressive causes.
"Save Our Senate": An initiative founded by Islam Parkes during the 2020 Senate runoffs to mobilize voters and support Democratic candidates.
Democratic National Committee (DNC): The governing body of the United States Democratic Party, responsible for promoting Democratic candidates and coordinating campaign strategies.
Gwinnett Democratic Party: The local branch of the Democratic Party serving Gwinnett County, Georgia, focusing on local political engagement and election efforts.