Democrat is first black female nominee for US governor

Ms Stacey Abrams of Georgia has won the state Democratic Party's nomination for governor, a prize that has eluded earlier generations of African-American candidates. Ms Abrams' victory came on the latest 2018 primary night to see Democratic women fin
Ms Stacey Abrams of Georgia has won the state Democratic Party's nomination for governor, a prize that has eluded earlier generations of African-American candidates. Ms Abrams' victory came on the latest 2018 primary night to see Democratic women finding success, as voters in Kentucky, Arkansas and Texas also went to the polls. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

ATLANTA (Georgia) • Democrats in Georgia have selected the first black woman to be a major party nominee for governor in the United States, choosing Ms Stacey Abrams, a liberal former state House leader, who will test just how much the state's traditionally conservative politics is shifting.

By defeating Ms Stacey Evans, also a former state legislator, Ms Abrams on Tuesday also became Georgia's first black nominee for governor, a prize that has eluded earlier generations of African-American candidates.

She will face either Lieutenant-Governor Casey Cagle, the top Republican vote-getter on Tuesday, or Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Mr Cagle and Mr Kemp will vie for their party's nomination in a July run-off.

Ms Abrams' victory came on the latest 2018 primary night to see Democratic women finding success, as voters in Kentucky, Arkansas and Texas also went to the polls.

Among the winners was former marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath, who upset Lexington Mayor Jim Gray in a Kentucky House primary.

In other races, lawyer Lizzie Pannill Fletcher defeated writer and political progressive Laura Moser in a Houston-area House run-off that once was seen as a major proxy fight between the Democratic establishment and its left wing.

Elsewhere in Texas, Ms Gina Ortiz Jones, an air force veteran, won the nomination to run in a heavily Hispanic district that stretches from San Antonio far along the state's southern border.

The most prominent race in Arkansas on Tuesday was in a Little Rock-based seat that sent Democrats to Congress until 2010.

Mr Clarke Tucker, a state representative, defeated a handful of more liberal challengers to win the nomination, avoiding a run-off. He will take on Representative French Hill in November.

In the Republican primary for Arkansas governor, Mr Asa Hutchinson held off an aggressive conservative challenge from Mr Jan Morgan, a television personality and gun shop owner.

Mr Hutchinson will face Mr Jared Henderson, the Democratic nominee.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 24, 2018, with the headline Democrat is first black female nominee for US governor. Subscribe