Ruwa Romman's Campaign: A Stand Against Anti-Trans Legislation in Georgia

Ruwa Romman, a Georgia state representative and the first Muslim woman and Palestinian American elected to the state’s General Assembly, has announced her candidacy for governor. Her campaign emerges amid a political landscape increasingly marked by anti-transgender legislation, which she argues mirrors the discrimination faced by her own community.

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Romman highlights a troubling trend in legislative tactics targeting marginalized groups. She asserts that the language used in anti-trans bills often disguises exclusion under the guise of “protection.” This methodology, she claims, has been consistent, with similar bills targeting different groups over time. Romman recalls her own experiences with discrimination, noting that the same fear-based narratives used against Muslims post-9/11 are now being applied to transgender individuals.

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Ruwa Romman is running in a competitive Democratic primary that includes notable figures such as former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Senator Jason Esteves. Her platform focuses on raising wages, restoring rural hospitals, ensuring food security, and investing in small businesses. Romman’s campaign is built on a decade of civic engagement, including leadership roles in organizations like the Georgia Muslim Voter Project and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

The Advocate

Romman’s campaign is set against a backdrop of rising anti-trans rhetoric, particularly from Republican candidates like Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia. Critics argue that such campaigns exploit fear to distract from pressing issues like housing affordability and economic stability. Advocacy groups have condemned the use of anti-trans messaging as harmful and misleading, asserting that it undermines the well-being of vulnerable communities.

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Romman emphasizes the need for moral clarity in governance, advocating for a government that protects rather than punishes. She has committed to vetoing any legislation that targets minority groups, stating, “What we allow governments to do to other people will be done upon us.” Her vision calls for a shift from compromise to raising the bar for representation and inclusivity.

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As Romman embarks on her campaign, she aims to mobilize support across Georgia, challenging the notion that Democrats cannot compete statewide. Her grassroots initiative, Project 159, seeks to engage volunteers in all 159 counties, reinforcing her commitment to representation and advocacy for marginalized communities.

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• “Every time there’s a bill targeting a group of people, it’s almost the same exact bill,” — Ruwa Romman, Georgia State Representative

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• “If I’m governor, I’ll absolutely veto every bill that comes to my desk that targets minority groups of people.” — Ruwa Romman, on her commitment to inclusivity

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• “And that’s my point — there’s a ton of political benefit and no political downside. And to me, that makes you a bigot.” — Ruwa Romman, reflecting on anti-trans legislation

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Ruwa Romman's campaign represents a significant moment in Georgia's political landscape, as she seeks to address systemic discrimination while advocating for a more inclusive future.

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