(Photo Credit: Own Ela)
Georgia voters almost got the chance to vote for a hip-hop legend tomorrow.
Run The Jewels’ Killer Mike announced on Instagram that he was officially running for Georgia’s 55th district as representative in the state legislature. In his post, he asked voters to write his real name in for the position (his real name being Michael Render).
Unfortunately for his Georgia fans, Killer Mike made a second announcement on his Instagram stating he could not run for the seat as a write-in. To be eligible, he would have had to officially enter himself as a write-in, rather than simply ask people to put his name down as a write-in. He says he still wants people to pay attention to this election, even if they can’t vote for him.
Representative Tyrone Brooks originally had the 55th district seat, but when he was convicted of tax fraud earlier this year, his position became available to new candidates. Brooks’ replacement will be decided tomorrow, and seven official candidates are vying for the position.
Killer Mike said:
I can’t run BUT For the folks that were willing to Write in #MichaelRender Thank U so Much. I am gonna run one day and WE WILL WIN. However in Ga I wud have to officially enter as a “write in” vs being an Actual Write in (those are the breaks) but, I really felt it important to draw attention to this race. We have BIG Problems in education, schools and prison reform in Ga and I I wanna see change. I wanna see Yall active in Local politics. The fact that ya’ll are willing to support me shows change is possible and while I run around rapping with @thereallyrealelp doing #RunTheJewels for the next few yrs I want ya’ll to get & stay active and Run for office! We need more New and fresh ideas & people! Now Tomorrow yall choose between two sisters, a Junior & a white indie (really republican and I’m cool with that too if he does the job so give him a look) I suggest yall Google them read up tonight and GO VOTE tomorrow! I will Run In the Future and We Will Win! Love and Respect Michael Render
It’s rare to earn a representative seat when you’re a write-in candidate. Voters typically pick candidates whose names are already written on their ballots. Micheal Render (AKA Killer Mike) would have had a unique opportunity here compared to past write-in candidates. Not only is the election likely to be small (with a low voter turnout), he also has a huge following on his social media accounts.
Killer Mike has had a busy year already. In addition to his t.v. appearances and political speeches over the past few months, his group Run The Jewels have been hard at work on a tour and new material. The duo recently performed in the back of taxi cab with Boots, and have teased two songs from their upcoming cat-themed remix album Meow The Jewels.
Check out Killer Mike’s surprise announcement for candidacy below:
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