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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
ACLU Attorney Launches State Senate Bid After Fulton County FBI Raid
Rahul Garabadu aims to replace retiring Democratic state Sen. Nabilah Parkes
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Rahul Garabadu, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has announced his candidacy for a Georgia state Senate seat following the high-profile FBI raid on Fulton County offices. Garabadu hopes to replace Democratic state Sen. Nabilah Parkes, who is not seeking reelection in order to run for state insurance commissioner.
Why it matters
The FBI raid on Fulton County offices has become a major political flashpoint, with Republicans criticizing the action as overreach and Democrats defending it as part of a legitimate investigation. Garabadu's decision to run for state Senate suggests the raid could have lasting political implications, especially in down-ballot races.
The details
Garabadu, who has worked as an attorney for the ACLU, is running for the state Senate seat currently held by Nabilah Parkes, a Democrat who is not seeking reelection in order to run for state insurance commissioner. Garabadu has cited the Fulton County FBI raid as a key factor in his decision to run, arguing that the incident highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in state government.
- The FBI raid on Fulton County offices occurred in February 2026.
- Nabilah Parkes announced she would not seek reelection to her state Senate seat in order to run for state insurance commissioner.
The players
Rahul Garabadu
An attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who is running for a Georgia state Senate seat.
Nabilah Parkes
The Democratic state senator whose seat Garabadu is running for, as Parkes is not seeking reelection in order to run for state insurance commissioner.
What they’re saying
“The Fulton County raid has become a major political flashpoint, and I believe it's crucial that we have state leaders who will provide oversight and accountability.”
— Rahul Garabadu, ACLU Attorney and State Senate Candidate (ajc.com)
What’s next
Garabadu will face a primary election in the coming months as he seeks the Democratic nomination for the state Senate seat.
The takeaway
The fallout from the Fulton County FBI raid continues to reverberate through Georgia politics, with the high-profile raid now shaping the landscape of down-ballot races like the state Senate contest.
