Stacey Abrams abandons her gubernatorial ambitions to take a Howard University job

Former Georgia politician Stacey Abrams accepted a job at Howard University after her unsuccessful run as governor of The Peach State.

Abrams, 49, appears to be putting aside her political ambitions for office as she is about to begin her new position as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, the university announced Wednesday.

The politician served as a state representative from 2007 to 2017, when she ruled to run for governor in 2022. Abrams nearly won the gubernatorial race, but was defeated in a narrow victory by Republican Brian Kemp.

While Abrams’ political endeavors have failed over the past year, she will begin her term at the university in September to teach about the issues black people face in politics and provide knowledge on how to “get real-world” find solutions to combat conflict. , said the university.

Abrams, who recently lost the Georgia gubernatorial race to Republican Brian Kemp, appears to be stepping back from the political playing field. In the photo: Howard University

“We are at a turning point for American and international democracy, and I look forward to engaging Howard University’s extraordinary students in a conversation about where they can influence, shape the critical public policy decisions we face.” and send,” Abrams wrote in a statement.

Aside from Abrams’ political resume, her nonprofit work focusing on social issues, voter engagement and democracy has made her the perfect fit for the position, Wayne AI Fredrick, president of Howard University, wrote in a statement.

“Stacey Abrams has proven to be an essential voice and an enthusiastic participant in protecting American democracy—not just for certain population groups, but for all with the fundamental right to speak up,” Fredrick wrote.

“As the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair, Ms. Abrams’ selection not only honors the work and legacy of famed political strategist and scholar Dr. Ronald Walters, it extends that legacy by bringing Howard students into dialogue with a contemporary candidate whose work has directly influenced the current political landscape,” the statement continued.

Anthony K. Wutoh, Howard University Provost and Chief Academic Officer, added that Abrams’ extensive experience would make her a key figure on campus for people of color and women.

“Stacey Abrams is a respected voice in American politics, known for her advocacy for voting rights, criminal justice reform, environmental justice and economic empowerment for marginalized communities,” Wutoh wrote.

“She continues to be an influential figure in the Democratic Party and a role model for young women and people of color seeking to enter the policy arena.”

Howard University president Wayne AI Fredrick wrote in a statement that Abrams’ extensive career makes her a perfect fit for the role

It’s unclear how much Abrams will be paid, but the former gubernatorial candidate owed suppliers $1 million for the lavish $100 million campaign she lost in November.

As of December, Abrams owed her campaign salespeople $1 million after spending thousands a month renting a TikTok “hype house” and swag truck to win over young voters.

Her campaign manager, Lauren Groh-Wargo, confirmed that at the time Axios that the wannabe governor owes more than $1 million.

Abrams spent $12,500 a month at the TikTok home — near Piedmont Park — to create content for her campaign, but she barely used it. Staffers eventually turned the five-bedroom home into a makeshift office, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

She also used a swag truck with her face on it to hand out sweatshirts and t-shirts in hopes of winning over young voters — staffers, however, complained that Abrams had no real strategy for the truck and it ended up costing a lot.

She had a pop-up swag truck with her face on it where she handed out free hoodies and t-shirts to win over young voters. Staffers said there was no strategy for the expensive venture