GSU Library Research Guides: Ellen Rafshoon Oral Histories: G

Gonzalez, Deborah

Interviewee: Deborah Gonzalez
Interviewer: Ellen Rafshoon
Date of Interview: June 15, 2018

Biography:
Deborah Gonzalez is District Attorney for Georgia's Western Circuit, including Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties. Elected in 2020, she is the first Latina to hold the office of District Attorney in Georgia. Originally from New York City, Gonzalez moved to Athens, Georgia where she practiced media technology and entertainment law. In 2017, she won election for a seat in the Georgia General Assembly to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of a member. She focused her legislative efforts on education, living wage, and sexual harassment. Gonzalez, a Democrat, lost her bid to win a full term in the Assembly but sought and was elected to the District Attorney job.

Abstract:
In an interview conducted on June 15^th, 2018, Georgia state representative Deborah Gonzalez discusses her political activism as a newly elected Georgia congresswoman, taking on issues like sexual harassment, living wage, and education as a minority party legislator. Gonzalez focused on her entertainment law practice and had very little interest in local politics prior to the November 8^th, 2016 election. Her main motivation for engaging in politics after the election was to offer choice in an area where candidates often ran unopposed and where candidates did not always reflect the values of their communities. Gonzalez takes pride in connecting and engaging with her community through events and town forums to learn about the issues effecting her constituents. Her goal is to continue to run for re-election until 2022 and to continue to put forth strong democratic candidates in local elections.