Fair Fight Action, the voting rights organization founded by Stacey Abrams, is facing major financial difficulties following a record-breaking fine imposed by the Georgia State Ethics Commission.
The financial strain has led to mass layoffs and internal restructuring as the group struggles to sustain its operations.
The crisis has also impacted the New Georgia Project (NGP), a grassroots organization launched by Abrams. More than 30 employees were laid off in two rounds between December and January, many with little notice.
According to a GoFundMe campaign launched Wednesday, the organization cited economic challenges and reduced fundraising as key reasons for the downsizing.
The layoffs began on December 27, when 19 staff members were dismissed with less than 12 hours’ notice. Another 12 employees were let go at the end of January, according to FOX5.
Stephanie Ali, NGP’s policy director, set up a crowdfunding campaign to assist those affected, attributing the situation to external financial pressures.
“The organization has stated these reductions in force (RIFs) are due to economic downturns, reductions in fundraising in an ‘off’ election year, and other contributing factors,” Ali wrote.
“No matter the reason, with this, over 30 of some of the most dedicated organizers, door knockers, and field tacticians who dedicated years of their lives to this work are now out of work – some whose insurance will lapse as soon as February 1.”
The financial turmoil follows a ruling from the Georgia State Ethics Commission, which imposed its largest-ever fine on NGP and its affiliated New Georgia Project Action Fund.
The groups admitted to 16 violations of state law, including improperly supporting Abrams’ 2018 gubernatorial campaign and failing to disclose millions in campaign contributions and expenditures.
NGP leadership stated that the layoffs were necessary to align staffing with available resources but maintained that the organization remains committed to voter registration and outreach efforts.
In 2024, NGP reported registering more than 55,000 Georgians, knocking on over 841,000 doors, and deploying more than 200 poll monitors.
“The volunteers, members, and staff of NGP are family, and reductions in staffing are never easy.
Nevertheless, NGP must meet its obligation to align its staffing plan with available resources to accomplish its mission,” the organization said in a statement to FOX5.
NGP, which Abrams founded in 2013, has faced increasing scrutiny over its financial and legal practices.
In January, the Georgia Ethics Commission fined NGP and the New Georgia Project Action Fund $300,000 for violations of state campaign finance laws related to the 2018 elections.
According to The Associated Press, the groups failed to register as independent campaign committees and did not properly report approximately $4.2 million in contributions and $3.2 million in expenditures.
These funds primarily supported Abrams’ gubernatorial campaign, marking one of the largest campaign finance penalties in Georgia history.
Investigators found that NGP engaged in electioneering activities such as canvassing and phone banking in support of Abrams without proper registration and transparency.
Additionally, in 2019, NGP failed to disclose $646,000 in contributions and $174,000 in expenditures related to a public transit referendum in Gwinnett County. Both Abrams and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who previously served as chairman of NGP, have denied any involvement in the violations.
However, the fallout from the investigation and financial penalties has left the organization struggling to maintain operations amid mounting legal and ethical concerns.
