Dukes loses Minority House Leadership challenge to Stacey Abrams

ALBANY — State Rep. Winfred Dukes, D-Albany, lost his challenge to House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, D-Atlanta, for leadership of the Georgia House Democratic caucus Tuesday night. Dukes accepted the loss but not what he saw as a lack of support from fellow Albany Democrat Darrel Ealum.

“I am really disappointed that Darrel voted for Stacy and did not support me,” Dukes said. “How can a member of your own delegation not vote or support you? We had an opportunity to step out and build something for the people of the district and he didn’t support me.”

Despite Dukes’ charge, Ealum said he did vote for and support Dukes.

“Winfred ran a very strong race for leader of our caucus, and I am extremely proud of him. He surely made us proud here in Southwest Georgia. Aside from that, I have nothing else to say,” Ealum said.

Dukes, however, had plenty to say.

“If Darrel said he voted for me, then he is a liar,” Dukes said. “I don’t want to speak with him, I don’t want to be with him, I don’t want to see him.”

The two men did run into each other Wednesday at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Rise ‘n’ Shine Legislative Breakfast, where an animated Dukes once again called Ealum a liar.

Dukes filed his paperwork to challenge for the caucus leadership Saturday. Abrams scheduled a vote of the membership at 4 p.m. Tuesday. The voting was by secret ballot.

“We need different leadership and the experience to get the right people in place,” Dukes said. “We need to step up with a voice for Southwest Georgia, otherwise we are going to dry up on a dime.”

Dukes pointed to the recent state House races in which Democrats focused on three races against what they saw as vulnerable Republicans. Democrats won one seat and lost two. One of those two Democratic losses came in the attempt to unseat state Rep. Gerald Greene, R-Cuthbert, who also is a member of the Dougherty County House delegation.

“We spent $1 million to gain one seat,” Dukes said. “That is unacceptable.”

Abrams has served as House Minority Leader for the past six years. Dukes has been in the House for 10 years, first representing District 150 and now District 154.