Johnson to formally launch campaign for state House

Athens educator and activist Mokah Jasmine Johnson is taking the next step in her 2020 campaign with a rally at Athens City Hall at 5 p.m. Saturday to officially announce her candidacy for Georgia House of Representatives District 117.

Last August, Johnson announced she was exploring a bid for the seat but since then she has hosted multiple community meet-and-greets and town halls around issues such as voting rights and women’s rights.

Co-founder and former president of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), Johnson is running as a Democrat for the seat currently held by Republican Houston Gaines, which is considered one of the most flip-able seats in the Georgia State House. The district includes portions of Clarke, Jackson, Barrow and Oconee counties. Johnson officially stepped down as president of AADM last year to explore this run for office.

Johnson is an adult educator, civil rights activist and mother. As president and co-founder of the AADM she advocated for racial and social justice, helped citizens protect their rights through education and activism, and worked to improve race relations and community policing. She led successful local efforts to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance and repeal cash bail.

The rally at City Hall will include speeches from former District 117 State Rep. Deborah Gonzalez, Vice President of Athens PRIDE and local LGBTQ activist Cameron Harrelson, Athens-Clarke County Commissioners Tim Denson and Mariah Parker, and founder of Maura’s Voice, Jeff Binkley. Binkley is a Georgia resident whose 21-year-old daughter, Maura, was shot and killed in a targeted attack against women in Florida in 2018. During the rally, Johnson will announce her support for hate crime legislation.

Immediately following the rally, an after party will be held at Max Canada, 243 W. Washington St. In case of rain, the rally will begin at 5 p.m. at Max Canada.

To learn more about Johnson and her vision for the 117th District, visit mokahforgeorgia.com or email info@mokahforgeorgia.com.

You can also view her official campaign announcement video.