Georgia Democratic lawmaker changes party affiliation over policy differences

Georgia state Rep. Mesha Mainor switched from the Democratic to the Republican party due to disagreements on issues like school choice and immigration.
Mainor, the sole Black GOP member of the Georgia legislature, represents a Democratic stronghold district in Atlanta.
Her party switch gives Republicans a House majority and reflects broader debates within the Democratic party on issues like education.
Mainor has consistently broken with Democrats on votes and accuses the party of not aligning with the interests of Black communities.
Her decision shows tensions within the Democratic party over policies, but holding her district as a Republican could prove challenging.