Debra Shigley, a candidate for Georgia Senate District 21, announced her endorsement from Vote Mama PAC, an organization supporting Democratic mothers and progressive policies. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.
“I’m honored to be endorsed by @VoteMamaPAC,” said Shigley. “As a mom of five I will always fight for reproductive rights, quality public education, affordable childcare and more. Thank you, Vote Mama, for fighting for our values and for your support!”
On March 20, 2024, Shigley posted on X expressing her gratitude for the endorsement. She said she was “honored to be endorsed by @VoteMamaPAC” and thanked the group for “fighting for our values.” According to Shigley’s campaign account, this endorsement aligns her candidacy with Vote Mama PAC’s broader progressive mission.
Vote Mama PAC describes its supported “mamas” as self-identified individuals, including cis women, trans women, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming people. The organization expects endorsed candidates to commit to progressive values such as supporting gender-affirming school and healthcare policies. As outlined on the group’s pledge page, candidates must also agree to back “gender-affirming care,” advance gender equality, create urgency around climate justice, and commit to anti-racism and dismantling systems of oppression.
In an interview published on Girl and the Gov’s YouTube channel, Shigley expressed opposition to Georgia’s “divisive concepts” law and advocated for its repeal. She defended a Cobb County teacher who was dismissed for reading a book about gender fluidity to fifth graders. Shigley described the material as “normal” and reflective of everyday experiences. She further remarked that teachers might leave the profession rather than deal with challenging parental confrontations.
In the August 2025 special election for Georgia Senate District 21, Shigley was the sole Democrat on the ballot and secured 39.5% of the vote. According to Georgia Recorder, six Republican candidates shared the remaining 60.5%, with Jason Dickerson finishing first among them with 17.4%. As no candidate achieved a majority, Shigley and Dickerson advanced to a runoff election.
The Georgia Secretary of State’s office has detailed procedures for the upcoming Senate District 21 runoff election. According to the official state election website, in-person early voting began on September 15, 2025, with election day scheduled for September 23, 2025. Voters are advised to use the state’s online portal to confirm their polling locations for both early voting and election day.
