Post- debate remarks by Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez

The following was released by Democratic District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez after her debate this week with Independent candidate Kalki Yalamanchili:

In a highly anticipated debate at Hill Chapel First Baptist Church, hosted by the Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association, District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez emerged as the leading voice for justice reform and independent oversight. Her opponent, Kalki Yalamanchili, backed by prominent Republican donors, frequently agreed with Gonzalez’s policy achievements but failed to clearly articulate his core values or vision for the future of the District Attorney's office.

While Yalamanchili tried to prove his competency, he struggled to articulate core values and was repeatedly compelled to acknowledge Gonzalez’s successes in restorative justice, diversion programs, and alternatives to incarceration. His critiques were mostly procedural, underscoring that Gonzalez’s guiding principles, not just processes, drive meaningful change in the community.

Throughout the debate, Gonzalez highlighted her commitment to progressive reform, prioritizing prosecutorial independence. “My opponent claims his relationships with law enforcement and power brokers will make him more effective,” she said. “I champion independent oversight, ensuring justice is fair and equal across all communities.” She underscored the need for impartiality, pointing to the risks of external influence. Gonzalez contrasted her approach with Yalamanchili’s close ties to influential figures, which raised concerns about impartiality, especially given his associations with right-wing consultants and donors.

Yalamanchili’s previous involvement with James Chafin's 2020 campaign, which had significant backing from Republican-aligned groups, further complicates his claims of independence. Campaign finance records show that both Chafin’s and Yalamanchili’s campaigns have relied heavily on consulting firms connected to MAGA extremists. “Kalki’s campaign is funded by the same consultants who worked for Paul Broun and Jody Hice, both MAGA extremists,” said a community member in attendance. “It’s hard to trust a candidate whose financial and political backers are tied to far-right agendas.”

Gonzalez’s approach, which emphasizes justice for marginalized communities, victims’ rights, and reforming a broken system, resonated strongly throughout the debate. “This office is about more than prosecuting cases,” Gonzalez stated. “It’s about ensuring that justice is applied fairly and equally, no matter who you are or where you come from.”

Throughout the debate, Yalamanchili focused on courtroom efficiency, suggesting technical skills alone would suffice for the DA’s role. Gonzalez countered that the District Attorney position is political, requiring values and judgment to ensure justice for everyone—not just the wealthy and connected.

“The job of a District Attorney isn’t just to prosecute; it’s to ensure that justice serves everyone, especially those without a voice,” Gonzalez said. “That’s why I’ve worked hard to implement restorative justice programs that provide alternatives to incarceration, advocate for victims, and focus on rehabilitation.”

Gonzalez firmly contrasted her stance on Georgia’s Life Act, pledging not to prosecute women seeking reproductive healthcare. “Women deserve autonomy over their healthcare decisions without fear of prosecution,” she said. This starkly contrasts her opponent’s position.

“Our community knows who stands for them. I believe in a DA’s office that upholds the values of fairness, accountability, and justice for all—not just for those with influence or connections,” Gonzalez said, underscoring her role as a reformist DA who is committed to addressing the deep systemic issues that often go unchallenged.

Gonzalez also reminded voters that the District Attorney’s office is critical in reviewing election disputes, ensuring that all voices in the community are heard and protected during the electoral process. In Georgia, the DA’s office holds the authority to review any irregularities in local elections, reinforcing Gonzalez’s commitment to protecting democracy.

Despite facing criticism rooted in systemic challenges, Gonzalez remained steadfast in defending her reforms. “I stepped into an office led by only two men over 48 years. The system was calcified and didn’t support the necessary changes,” she said. “But I’ve introduced federal trainers, developed staff, and continue fighting for a fair system that serves everyone.” As Georgia’s first Latina District Attorney, she emphasized dismantling the "good ole boy" system. "We’ve made strides, but real change is hard, and I’m committed to reform, not returning to outdated practices."

The critics Gonzalez faces are emblematic of the heightened scrutiny that progressive women of color often experience when they run for office. “When women of color hold powerful positions, there’s an almost immediate rush to criticize their every move,” added Gonzalez. “We’re changing the system, and that kind of change is not always easy to accept.”

Gonzalez, the first Latina elected as a District Attorney in Georgia, reminded voters of her work dismantling an entrenched “good ole boy” system that had dominated the office for nearly 50 years before her tenure. "I walked into an office that had been calcified by decades of old systemic ways," Gonzalez said. "We’ve made strides, but meaningful change is not easy, and my commitment is to continue serving this community through reform, not returning to outdated practices."

Her work to create diversion courts, expand victim advocacy, and improve community outreach has drawn praise and criticism. In addressing her challenges, Gonzalez noted the historical resistance to change. "When women of color run for office, they face scrutiny that others don’t. But I’m here to do the work—to make justice accessible and fair, especially for those who have historically been left out."

“We cannot afford to go back to a system that only serves a select few. We need to move forward, ensuring that justice is applied equally across all communities,” Gonzalez said in her closing remarks.