Commissioner Jerica Richardson won’t step down after new district map is released

After being drawn out of her commission district in this year’s redistricting process much speculation and political chatter have been hashed around on the fate of freshman Jerica Richardson who represents Commission District 2. With her election in 2020, Democrat Richardson flipped the seat once held by Republican Bob Ott.

Richardson has pledged to continue serving until she’s forced out but has also acknowledged that she’ll be out of office in January. Richardson said in a video posted on Facebook Friday, “I will not sit back. I will not step down, and I will not just say nothing.”

In the local redistricting process, which occurs every 10 years, Republican lawmakers at the Georgia capitol pushed a county commission map that drew Richardson’s new home, which she moved into after taking office, into that of fellow Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. Democrats denounced the new map, saying Richardson had been deliberately targeted for removal. Republicans point to Richardson having moved to the far northern end of her district, and is responsible for her own political dilemma.

Many have debated how Richardson would be affected once the maps take effect in January. For Richardson, she says the question is settled. “What that means, as of Jan. 1, 2023, is that I will be forced to vacate my position as county commissioner because according to this new map, I do not live in the qualifying District 2. I will not be permitted to vote on county matters starting on that date,” she said. 

Richardson did not mention any plans for a forthcoming legal challenge to the maps. When she leaves office in January, it will trigger a special election to fill her seat.