Georgia Democrats rally around condemnation of Trump at their annual fundraising dinner

Caption

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to Georgia Democrats at the annual Carter-Lewis fundraising dinner Oct. 3, 2025.

Credit: Sarah Kallis/GPB News

Dinner was served with a side of resistance and hope for Georgia Democrats in downtown Atlanta. as the party held its annual Carter-Lewis fundraising event Friday night. 

The guests heard from party leaders, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who centered his speech around condemning President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration enforcement, including the calling up of the National Guard. He also spoke about a path forward.

“The most patriotic thing we can do for our country right now is to raise the alarm about the danger we are in, build the resistance we need to preserve democratic ideals we hold so dearly," he said, "and plant and water the hope necessary to sustain us through the difficult days ahead." 

Several Georgia gubernatorial candidates, including former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former state Sen. Jason Esteves, and state Rep. Ruwa Romman came to the event. 

Georgia’s two U.S. senators were not in attendance as the federal government shutdown continues, but both Democrats sent video messages. 

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is up for reelection next year, strongly condemned Trump in his video message, calling him the "divider in chief" and accusing him of sowing chaos. 

"There is no way out other than winning elections next year," Ossoff said. "There is not legislative maneuver or tool of Senate procedure that will stop this spiral. There is no savior waiting in the wings. We the people are the answer. And victory is the only solution."