The Georgia Ethics Commission has voted to fine a nonprofit organization founded by Stacey Abrams $300,000 for violating campaign finance laws during the 2018 governor’s race. The New Georgia Project and its affiliated Action Fund did not disclose campaign contributions and spending while advocating for Abrams, who lost to Gov. Brian Kemp. The groups admitted to 16 violations of law and failed to register as an independent committee as required by state law. They did not disclose $4.2 million in contributions and $3.2 million in spending to support Abrams’ candidacy. The fine is the largest in the commission’s history. A spokesperson for Abrams stated that she has not been involved in the organization’s work since 2017. The groups’ attorney said they are glad to put the matter behind them and focus on civic engagement work. The New Georgia Project was led by Raphael Warnock, who is now a Democratic senator for the state. Warnock’s spokesperson stated that compliance decisions were not a part of his work with the organization in 2018. The groups were first accused of wrongdoing in 2019, before Warnock was elected. The attorney for the groups mentioned that the groups were disappointed that a court ruling on campaign finance laws was overturned but accept the outcome and are eager to move forward.
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Stacey Abrams’ nonprofit to pay record Georgia fine for breaking campaign laws
