By Andrian Putra, Staff Writer
Lawrenceville, July 17, 2025 — Two Democratic candidates with deep community ties are launching aggressive campaigns to represent Gwinnett County at the Georgia State Capitol, signaling a push to expand the party’s influence in one of the state’s most politically dynamic regions.
Entrepreneur and activist Akbar Ali officially entered the race for House District 106 in a special election to replace outgoing Democratic Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, while Michelle Kang, who narrowly lost her 2024 bid by just 621 votes, is mounting a rematch against Republican incumbent Matt Reeves in House District 99. Both candidates are framing their campaigns as grassroots efforts to combat GOP policies they argue have left working families behind.
A “New Generation” for HD-106
Ali, a first-generation American and small-business owner, is pitching himself as a progressive champion for the diverse, rapidly changing district spanning Snellville, Lawrenceville, and Lilburn. In a campaign video titled “New Generation,” the 30-year-old Democrat vows to tackle soaring housing costs, defend civil rights, and push back against what he calls the “extreme MAGA agenda” of state Republicans.
“Healthcare is out of reach, housing is unaffordable, and the families that built this community are being pushed away,” Ali said in his announcement. “It’s time for leadership that fights for every Georgian.”
A former Gwinnett County Democratic Party leader and transit advocate, Ali has already secured endorsements from a slate of local officials, including Gwinnett Commissioners Kirkland Carden and Ben Ku, District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson, and state Sen. Sheikh Rahman.
Kang’s Rematch: Targeting Reeves in HD-99
Meanwhile, Kang, a first-generation Korean American immigrant and former small-business owner, is returning for a second attempt at flipping HD-99, a swing district covering Suwanee, Duluth, and Sugar Hill. Her near-upset of Reeves in 2024—despite being outspent—has energized Democrats who see the seat as winnable in 2026.
“We came within 621 votes without corporate PACs or party machines—just neighbors organizing,” Kang said. “This time, we’re finishing what we started.”
Her platform includes universal childcare subsidies, rent stabilization measures, Medicaid expansion, and protections for immigrant communities—a direct contrast with Reeves, who has focused on tax cuts and limited government intervention. Kang also aims to repeal Georgia’s HB 1105, a GOP-backed law requiring local police to assist in immigration enforcement.
Gwinnett’s Shifting Political Landscape
Both campaigns underscore Gwinnett’s status as a battleground for Georgia’s political future. Once a GOP stronghold, the county has trended blue in recent years, with Democrats banking on its growing diversity and suburban discontent with Republican policies to flip seats like HD-99 while holding others like HD-106.
Ali’s race will be decided in a special election later this year, while Kang’s rematch against Reeves will unfold over a longer, high-stakes 2026 cycle.
“House District 99 isn’t red or blue—it’s ready,” Kang said. “Ready for leadership that delivers dignity and justice.”
