District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez has released a statement conceding the race to challenger Kalki Yalamanchili. Gonzalez said her campaign faced significant financial disparities. She said their commitment to community engagement and advocacy remains unwavering. She also acknowledged deep divides in Athens-Clarke County and emphasized the need for healing and trust. She also expressed her gratitude to her supporters and campaign team Her entire response is posted below.
WUGA also reached to Kalki Yalamanchili and is awaiting his response.
Gonzalez was elected in 2020. She successfully sued to run for the office, ending a long-standing practice where DAs would resign before leaving office, allowing the Governor to appoint a replacement without having to have an election.
Yalamanchili spent five years as an Assistant District Attorney in the office before entering private practice. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Georgia School of Law.
According to unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, Yalamanchili had 60 percent of the vote, compared to Gonzalez’s 40 percent.
Gonzalez statement:
Deborah Gonzalez Concedes District Attorney Race with Commitment to Community Healing
Athens, GA – Following a hard-fought campaign for District Attorney, Deborah Gonzalez has announced her concession to Kalki Yalamanchili.
“In this election, we faced significant financial disparities, with our opponent receiving substantial backing from large donors,” said Gonzalez. “While we may not have had the same economic power, we worked diligently with the resources we had, focusing on serving the voices of our constituents who often go unheard. Our commitment to community engagement and advocacy remains unwavering.”
Gonzalez acknowledged the deep divides in Athens-Clarke County and emphasized the urgent need for healing and trust within the community. “We must come together to address the social issues affecting our neighborhoods, particularly in fragile, at-risk Black communities,” she stated. “As we move forward, cooperation among community advocates is essential. We must demand the resources necessary to create real change.”
Throughout the campaign, Yalamanchili suggested that some of Gonzalez’s reforms would be sustained.
“We call on him to keep his promise to address the pressing social issues highlighted during this campaign,” Gonzalez urged. “The challenges we face are significant, and a developmental approach that connects people with the social services they need is necessary to build a safer and more equitable Athens.”
Gonzalez also expressed her gratitude to her supporters and campaign team. “Your dedication and passion for justice have been a source of inspiration,” she said. “While this is a moment of reflection, it is also a call to action. We must continue advocating for our principles, ensuring that our community’s needs are met and that all voices are heard.”
As she concludes her campaign, Gonzalez remains committed to promoting dialogue and collaboration among community members and organizations. “The fight for justice is far from over,” she concluded. “I look forward to supporting the next generation of reformers who can build a community where healing our deep divisions is prioritized.”
