Hey John — David here with an update from Atlanta.
I spent yesterday knocking doors with Akbar Ali, who’s running for Georgia House District 106. Akbar could become the youngest person ever elected to the Georgia Assembly tomorrow night.
And honestly? It was an incredible display of why Leaders We Deserve exists — and why your support matters.
Knocking doors with Akbar Ali in Georgia
Akbar is the real deal. He’s thoughtful, organized, and deeply prepared. He also brings a genuine sense of hope to every conversation. Voters here are feeling it. I felt it. Even yesterday when someone opened the door, they recognized him — not because of big flashy ads or big donors — but because of the organizing he has done, whether it’s on the doors or in WhatsApp group chats in the Muslim community in his district. One voter even approached Akbar and said, “Wait, you’re Akbar from my WhatsApp group chat!”
Akbar’s campaign has already knocked his entire universe of doors — twice. And they aren’t stopping until polls close. Akbar knows that showing up and meeting voters where they are is what will get him across the finish line.
He’s even been taking two interpreters with him when he travels around his incredibly diverse district, talking with local leaders and business owners, because he knows how important it is that every member of his community has their voices heard. Many of whom are just shocked he even talked with them in the first place.
From those conversations, he’s built a platform to expand Medicaid, protect SNAP, improve public schools, and address the everyday challenges people face here.
Akbar’s also tackling the kinds of issues most politicians overlook. For example, one of Akbar’s friends had their HOA confiscate their grill, then fined them $650 but still refused to return the grill. Because of that, Akbar is pushing to limit predatory HOA fines so people aren’t punished for simply enjoying their homes. That’s what happens when leaders are actually a part of their community and fight for it.
And there’s one more thing that really stands out in Akbar’s race: The incumbent in this seat, Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, decided not to run again and endorsed 21-year-old Akbar.
It’s rare to see a longtime community leader choosing to uplift the next generation, not push us aside or tell us to wait our turn. That’s the type of intergenerational coalition building Democrats desperately need right now.
Meeting volunteers and supporters in Georgia with Akbar Ali
John, tomorrow is Election Day — and we need to help Akbar finish strong. Because of you, we can show up in races like this and put resources where they matter most. Yesterday, I met people who didn’t even know there was an election, but left our conversation committed to voting for Akbar.
We need to keep that momentum going — in Atlanta, in Houston, in NYC — everywhere young leaders are on the cusp of victory.
Every dollar we raise today will help us win tomorrow and continue putting a new generation into power. Can you chip in $5 or whatever you can right now to help power this final push?
Thank you for being a part of this history-making movement and helping us support people like Akbar.
— David Hogg
