Organizing Power on Display: Asian American Advocacy Fund Leads Erick Allen to Victory in Cobb County
Organizing Power on Display: Asian American Advocacy Fund Leads Erick Allen to Victory in Cobb County
ATLANTA, GA — In a resounding victory for progressive leadership and community-driven organizing, Erick Allen won the Cobb County District 2 Special Election with 58.58% of the vote. This sweeping win is not only a significant step forward for the county—it’s a direct result of the powerful grassroots organizing led by the Asian American Advocacy Fund (AAAF).
As the only organization canvassing, phone banking, and running a paid media program since January, AAAF ran the most sustained, strategic voter engagement program in Cobb. With 67,444 calls made, 7,729 doors knocked, and 1,580 voters directly reached, and paid media ads airing 348,750 times, AAAF led the highest-impact turnout effort in the district—and the results speak volumes.
“This is a victory for the people of Cobb County—especially those whose voices have too often been left out,” said Ashna Khanna, Executive Director of AAAF. “We stayed consistent, grounded in community, and committed to showing up. Our organizing was sustained, strategic, and focused — and in precinct after precinct, it made the difference.”
AAAF’s efforts helped propel Erick Allen to lead a competitive three-way primary, and in the runoff, thanks to a data-driven and community-centered strategy, Allen overperformed in nearly 60% of precincts—a rare trend in runoffs. Preliminary analysis of the general election results shows that Allen won every voting method: early vote, mail-in, and Election Day. He also won 85% of all District 2 precincts, and in 83% of precincts targeted by AAAF’s outreach, Allen overperformed and secured a win.
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners plays a critical role in shaping daily life—transportation, housing, public health, and reproductive justice are all on the table. Erick Allen’s vision for a more inclusive and thriving Cobb County reflects AAAF’s mission to build lasting power, advance justice, and ensure that all communities have a meaningful voice in the decisions that impact their lives.
“This is what happens when communities are invested in, organized, and heard,” said Khanna. “It’s proof that long-term organizing—not last-minute outreach—is what wins elections.”
While AAAF celebrates this victory, the work continues. The organization is now turning toward key statewide races, including the Public Service Commission and municipal elections this fall. With an eye on 2026, AAAF is deepening its organizing infrastructure, expanding community partnerships, and staying rooted in year-round engagement—laying the groundwork now to ensure communities of color are positioned to lead and win for years to come.
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The Asian American Advocacy Fund is a grassroots organization dedicated to building power for Georgia’s Asian American communities through policy advocacy, electoral organizing, and community-led movements. The Advocacy Fund’s mission is to advocate for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians in Georgia. To learn more about AAAF, visit https://www.asianamericanadvocacyfund.org