Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has won the Democratic primary in her bid for reelection, defeating progressive attorney Christian Wise Smith. Willis is now set to face off against Republican Courtney Kramer in the fall. She emphasized the importance of justice, equality, and hard work in her victory speech, stating that the voters want a DA who treats everyone fairly. Willis has gained public recognition for her high-profile cases, including the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and cases against well-known rappers. She highlighted her efforts to combat violent crime by being tough on gang members while also providing second chances to first offenders and creating programs for at-risk youth.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who presided over the election interference case involving Trump, also won his reelection. McAfee defeated a challenger in a nonpartisan election to retain his seat. Willis’ victory in the primary was expected due to her name recognition, advantages of the incumbency, and successful fundraising efforts. With Fulton County being heavily Democratic, Willis is favored to win the general election against Republican Courtney Kramer. Mayor Andre Dickens praised Willis’ commitment to justice and safety in her victory party, highlighting her strong support among voters who value integrity.
Willis remains focused on the upcoming general election, cautioning her supporters not to underestimate her opponent despite being deemed unqualified. Kramer, who has ties to prominent allies of former President Trump, decided to challenge Willis following the Trump indictment. She has received support from both county and state Republican parties and aims to bring a change to Fulton County’s leadership. Kramer and her backers will likely continue to criticize Willis for her romantic relationship with a special prosecutor in the election case, which defense attorneys claimed created a conflict of interest. However, the judge ruled that it did not disqualify Willis, but the case has been appealed to the Georgia Court of Appeals.
McAfee, who was appointed to the bench by Republican Governor Brian Kemp, has gained significant attention due to his involvement in the election interference case. He has strong bipartisan support and a solid fundraising base, making him a favorite to win his reelection. Willis and Smith, who both worked under former District Attorney Paul Howard, challenged him in the Democratic primary in 2020. Willis emerged victorious and ran unopposed in the general election that year. Kramer, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, has already begun attacking Willis and focusing on her perceived weaknesses. The upcoming general election is expected to be competitive as both candidates vie for the support of Fulton County voters.
Willis celebrated her victory with supporters and assured them that the campaign continues beyond the primary win. She urged her backers to continue to support her financially and emphasized the importance of maintaining her leadership in the district attorney’s office. The indictment against Trump and others in the racketeering case has drawn national attention to Willis’ work and solidified her reputation as a tough prosecutor. As the general election approaches, both Willis and Kramer will intensify their campaigns to win the support of voters in Fulton County. Willis remains confident in her ability to lead with justice, integrity, and a commitment to public safety, while Kramer positions herself as a candidate for change and new leadership in the county.
