The Georgia Senate has commenced an investigation into Stacey Abrams and the New Georgia Project, a nonprofit organization she founded, over alleged illegal fundraising activities during her 2018 gubernatorial campaign. This development follows the organization’s recent admission of campaign finance violations and a substantial financial penalty.
In January 2025, the New Georgia Project consented to a $300,000 fine imposed by the Georgia State Ethics Commission after acknowledging 16 violations of state campaign finance laws. The infractions included failing to register as an independent campaign committee and neglecting to disclose $4.2 million in contributions and $3.2 million in expenditures. This penalty stands as the largest ever levied by the commission.
Francys Johnson, the head of the nonprofit announced he is resigning from his post after the firm was hit with a massive fine for illegal campaign fundraising activity.
The Senate’s resolution authorizes the Special Committee on Investigations to examine the relationship between Abrams and the New Georgia Project, particularly focusing on the organization’s involvement in her 2018 campaign. This is the same committee currently investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis regarding her handling of the criminal case against President Donald Trump and others related to the 2020 election.
Senate GOP leaders have expressed concerns about the nonprofit’s activities, suggesting potential misuse of funds and lack of transparency. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the organization’s involvement in political campaigns and ensure compliance with state laws governing nonprofit operations.
In addition to the campaign finance violations, scrutiny has intensified following revelations that Power Forward Communities, another organization linked to Abrams, received a $2 billion federal grant in 2024. This grant, part of a larger $20 billion allocation to climate groups under the Inflation Reduction Act, has raised questions due to the organization’s minimal reported revenue prior to receiving the funds.
The allocation of such a significant grant to a relatively unknown organization has prompted calls for increased oversight and accountability in the distribution of federal funds. Critics argue that the lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest undermine public trust in governmental processes.
Abrams, a prominent Democratic figure and two-time gubernatorial candidate, has not publicly commented on the Senate’s investigation. Her previous campaigns have been marked by allegations of voter suppression and electoral misconduct, claims that have been subjects of extensive debate and investigation.
The New Georgia Project, established in 2013 with the mission of increasing voter registration and participation among underrepresented groups, has played a significant role in Georgia’s electoral landscape. However, the recent admissions of legal violations and financial mismanagement have cast a shadow over its operations and objectives.
The outcome of the Senate’s investigation could have far-reaching implications for Abrams’ political future and the operations of nonprofits engaged in political activities within the state. It also underscores the necessity for stringent adherence to legal and ethical standards by organizations involved in electoral processes.
As the investigation progresses, it is imperative that all parties involved cooperate fully to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the facts. The integrity of Georgia’s electoral system and public trust in its institutions depend on the transparent and lawful conduct of all entities participating in the political arena.
This situation serves as a reminder of the critical importance of accountability and oversight in the intersection of nonprofit activities and political campaigns. Ensuring that organizations operate within the bounds of the law is essential to maintaining the democratic principles upon which our society is built.
The Georgia Senate’s commitment to investigating these allegations reflects a dedication to upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of the state’s electoral processes. The findings of this investigation will be closely monitored by stakeholders and citizens alike, as they hold significant implications for the future of political engagement and nonprofit operations in Georgia.
