‘We intend to hold them accountable’: Georgia special session scrapped as people stand up in opposition

Hundreds of people gathered at the Georgia State Capitol to protest a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp, which they believe is an attempt to gerrymander the state's districts and suppress Black votes. The post ‘We intend to hold them accountable’: Georgia special session scrapped as people stand up in opposition appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Jun 17, 2026 - 21:39

‘We intend to hold them accountable’: Georgia special session scrapped as people stand up in opposition

“In democracy, the voters choose their leaders,” Georgia State Representative Tanya Miller (above) said. “In a democracy, the power belongs to the people.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

A woman holds one of the many signs opposing the special session at the Georgia State Capitol this week.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

In the wake of high gas prices, the FIFA World Cup, and an impending framework agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Georgia State Capitol was at the epicenter of the news cycle on Wednesday, June 17.

What looked like hundreds and sounded like thousands of people gathered inside and outside of the Capitol to express their opposition to a special session that was called by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

Chants of “No new maps” filled the rotunda as people waited for signs that read, “Free & Fair Elections” Reject Racist Redistricting,” and “Protect Black Votes.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

On the lower level of the State Capitol, Georgia Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, held a morning press conference to express his disinterest in the special session. Warnock, a Savannah native, said he came home to Georgia from Washington, D.C. for the express purpose of standing with the people.

“I don’t like gerrymandering,” Warnock said. “There’s a reason why you can draw lines around districts full of Black voters. Today, much of the discussion will center around Black voters. This is about working-class people.”

Warnock said Kemp, who is in his second and final term as governor, called for the special session because his fellow Republicans do not want to be held accountable.

“And we intend to hold them accountable,” Warnock said. “This should not be viewed in isolation.”

There have been similar special sessions called in the past, most recently in 2019 and 2023. The 2019 session lasted five days, and the 2023 session lasted nine days, respectively. This year’s special session will not last long as it was rescheduled due to the pressure put on by the people of Georgia.

Many other politicians, including State Rep. Tanya Miller, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming election for Georgia Attorney General, and potential statewide elected officials such as Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Nikki Porcher, both of whom were successful in their primary runoff election bids for Democratic nominations for Georgia Secretary of State and Georgia Labor Commissioner on Tuesday, gathered inside the Georgia State Capitol this morning in opposition of the special session and potential gerrymandering that could take place.

People like Dr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr. (above), a community activist, organizer, and military veteran, drove in from Columbus, Georgia, to witness the opposition this morning. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

“In democracy, the voters choose their leaders,” Miller said. “In a democracy, the power belongs to the people.”

The politicians weren’t alone. People like Dr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., a community activist, organizer, and military veteran, drove in from Columbus, Georgia, to witness the opposition this morning.

Broadwater registers voters in Columbus and believes voter education is key to informing the people about who is running for local and statewide office. He also believes in showing up.