Women Running for U.S. And Georgia Houses Generated Excitement At Oconee Democratic Party Meeting

The two women were not the featured speakers at the Oconee County Democratic Party meeting on Tuesday night, but they got enthusiastic responses from those present.

Chalis Montgomery, a musician and music educator from Barrow County, told the group she intends to announce her candidacy for the 10th Congressional District seat and is seeking help in forming her campaign committee.

Deborah Gonzalez, an attorney from Athens, said she is seeking volunteers and support from Oconee County in her run for the 117th District in the Georgia House of Representatives, which includes parts of Oconee County.

The four featured speakers who came after Montgomery and Gonzalez talked about the demands of running for local office and of service once elected and were part of the Oconee County Democratic Party’s efforts to recruit Democratic candidates for upcoming elections.

Angie Eells, Democratic Party chair, noted the hopes of those present for the success of Democrat Jon Ossoff, running in the Sixth Congressional District special election that day.

Later that evening--after the meeting had ended--results showed Ossoff had lost to Republican Karen Handel in the traditionally Republican, suburban Atlanta district.

For more on the story, with a video of the meeting, go to Oconee County Observations.

Pictured: Chalis Montgomery.