The Georgia Ethics Commission has reached a settlement with a nonprofit organization linked to Stacey Abrams, a prominent political figure in the state, resulting in a $300,000 fine for illegal spending during Abrams’ gubernatorial campaign in 2018.
The nonprofit in question, the New Georgia Project and its fundraising arm, the New Georgia Project Action Fund, failed to disclose millions of dollars in contributions and expenditures used to support Abrams during the 2018 primary and general election. The consent order revealed 16 violations of state law, including the failure to register as a political committee, failure to file required disclosure reports, and failure to disclose significant financial contributions and expenditures.
The settlement also highlighted the organization’s involvement in advocating for a ballot initiative in 2019, which would have expanded public transportation. This violation included substantial contributions and expenditures, further adding to the group’s legal troubles.
David Emadi, the executive director of Georgia’s ethics commission, stated that the $300,000 fine is the largest ever imposed by the commission and may be one of the largest fines in a campaign finance case by a state ethics board. Emadi emphasized the significance of holding organizations accountable for illegal activities that influence statewide elections.
During the ethics commission meeting, evidence including social media posts, checks, canvassing, and phone banking information showcased the New Georgia Project and the action fund’s efforts to support Abrams in 2018. The presentation highlighted the close relationship between the two groups, leading to the unanimous approval of the consent order by the board.
The settlement marks the conclusion of a lengthy investigation into the organization’s activities dating back to 2019, which involved multiple court appearances. The ethics commission’s access to bank records and revised complaints eventually led to the resolution of the case.
In a separate incident, the New Georgia Project attempted to block the ethics board’s probe, but a ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the district court’s decision, allowing the investigation to proceed.
A previous investigation by POLITICO in 2023 uncovered financial discrepancies within the organization, with the former executive director owing thousands of dollars in reimbursements. The New Georgia Project, founded by Abrams in 2014, has faced scrutiny over its operations, with Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock serving as chair for a period.
Abrams, a key figure in Georgia politics, has yet to comment on the settlement with the ethics commission, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges faced by the New Georgia Project and its affiliates.
