Georgia Democrats select party chair Nikema Williams to replace John Lewis on ballot

Georgia Democrats on Monday selected Nikema Williams, a state senator and party chair, to replace the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who died Friday, on the November ballot. Williams was one of five finalists under consideration to fill Georgia's fifth district House seat as the party's executive committee raced to choose a nominee under a legal deadline.

Williams, considered the frontrunner, was chosen in an overwhelming vote by the 44-member Democratic Party of Georgia Executive Committee. Speaking to the committee before the vote, she reportedly described herself as a protégé of Lewis — a civil rights icon — and said she would put herself on the line for her constituents "the same way Congressman Lewis taught us to do."

Not all Democrats were thrilled with the process and many are hoping for a special election in January, noting that Lewis was a staunch supporter of voting rights and would likely prefer his successor be chosen by the people rather than party officials. The dissatisfaction did not appear to be aimed at any of the individual candidates, however.

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Williams is expected to defeat her Republican challenger, Angela Stanton-King, easily. Read more at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.