Black folks sounded off on social media when Brian Kemp stepped down on Thursday from his secretary of state post in Georgia, the position that allowed him to both oversee and rig the election to help make himself governor.
Kemp said he resigned to start his transition to governor. But hold on: His race against Stacey Abrams hasn’t been called yet because of a possible pending recount.
See Also: ‘Dirty Tricks’: Stacey Abrams Voters Won’t Be Denied As Brian Kemp Rigs Voting Machines
Abrams, who was fighting to become the nation’s first Black woman governor, refused to concede the race; and for good reason. As of Thursday afternoon, Kemp had 50.3 percent of the vote. If he falls below the 50 percent threshold after all the votes have finally been tallied, Georgia law requires a recount. If the margin remains the same after that, there will be a run-off election next month.
Kemp defied calls to step down after he announced his bid for governor. It’s no wonder many were rolling their eyes at his announcement Thursday.
“It’s unfortunate that Brian Kemp did not step down months ago as Secretary of State to ensure that Georgia had a fair election,” the NAACP said in a statement Thursday. “Whether it’s malicious intent or benign neglect, Kemp’s actions during the election were textbook voter suppression and surely decreased voter confidence among residents in the state.”
Here’s what other folks had to say on Twitter.
1. Keith Boykin
Too little, too late. Brian Kemp should have resigned as Georgia Secretary of State or recused himself long before he presided over his own election and tried to purge voters who might vote against him. https://t.co/ZAOfNWtzlT
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) November 8, 2018
2. Katrice Mines
Now Brian Kemp says he'll step down as Secretary of State... What in the world!? pic.twitter.com/KokWIRQUM6
— Myvicariouslyfe (@MyVicariousLyfe) November 8, 2018
3. Lil Scottie
I know Brian Kemp did resign Secretary of State. Let’s see how this runoff plays out without them extra benefits. pic.twitter.com/Y8Ui1AiiT7
— Big Steppa 😤 (@ijustaintshit) November 8, 2018
4. Maya Wiley
This is important for democracy. Brian Kemp used his office to support his own campaign. https://t.co/A91fZMuahy
— Maya Wiley (@mayawiley) November 8, 2018
5. NAACP
NAACP president: 'I wish we could bring criminal charges' against Brian Kemp over voting issues https://t.co/d1h2n79Ysh
— NAACP (@NAACP) November 8, 2018
6. Dashua Ashfiord
Brian Kemp finally decides to resign as secretary of state. Should have been done before the election.
— DASHUA ASHFIORD (@NUBIAN247) November 8, 2018
7. Michael Russell
The GOP refuses to compete for every Vote, so they must Cheat to Win. This is exactly what the GA GOP has done, through mass Voter Suppression. Brian Kemp finally Resigns before the Lawsuit forcing him to step down, goes to Court. #StaceyAbramsForGA2018 https://t.co/BXgfHf05Ta
— Michael Russell (@SFLMiguel) November 8, 2018
8. J.C. Woodall
Tell the truth. Shame the devil. | #GaPol https://t.co/Y9LDJww8hV
— Rev. James Woodall (@iMajorWish) November 8, 2018
9. Cathy Moore
The #BrianKemp saga continues https://t.co/tc4nxtBuYE
— cathy moore (@cathymoore2) November 8, 2018
10. Anoa J. Changa
.@briankempga resigns after declaring himself the winner and obstructing democracy. Listening now to @nseufot of @NewGAProject raise demands to clarify when votes will be certified and the distinction between Emergency ballots and provisional ballots notably at Morehouse. #gapol pic.twitter.com/JHACFLmaHO
— 🖤 Snappy Black Womxn 🖤 (@TheWayWithAnoa) November 8, 2018