Democrats won Georgia in 2020, both in the presidential election and in the two Senate races, but four years later, a disappointing performance has caused some calling for change at the top. Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikema Williams has received internal criticism and calls to step down, according to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), who is up for reelection in 2026 and appears to be the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent of that cycle, is one of the Georgia Democrats who have privately called for Williams to step down, according to the report.

“I don’t want you leading the party with me at the top of the ticket,“ Ossoff allegedly told Williams in a text message obtained by the outlet. “I hope this doesn’t have to become public, but this is something I’m absolutely planning to pursue.”

Three Democratic groups, led by the Georgia Young Democrats, penned an open letter calling on Williams to step down Tuesday.

“We believe that fresh leadership is necessary to build a more inclusive, supportive, and dynamic partnership with YDG and to prioritize the youth voice within the party’s broader strategy. After thoughtful consideration and in the best interest of our shared goals, we have come to the necessary decision to call for the resignation of Nikema Williams as Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia,” the letter said.

Other groups that have called for Williams to step down include the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women and various Democratic state legislative candidates.

Some have stood by Williams despite the calls for her to step down from leading the state party.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reported on a letter signed by multiple prominent Democratic officials, including Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, saying they “stand firmly” with Williams. Democratic state-Rep. Billy Mitchell, who was listed in the letter, told the outlet he did not sign the letter and was “not getting involved in this fight.”

Republicans, who had a successful election in the Peach State last week, basked in the internal turmoil at the Georgia Democratic Party. Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon called it “somewhat patriarchal” that Ossoff was reportedly looking to remove Williams as head of the state party.

“I served in the State Senate with Nikema Williams. We didn’t know it at the time, but we grew up just a few miles from each other. She’s an accomplished leader, even if we strongly disagree on politics. It is somewhat patriarchal, almost plantation owner like, for Jon Ossoff to attempt to publicly dismiss Nikema from a job she was elected to do in her own right,” McKoon said in a post on X.

Cody Hall, an adviser to Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA), also commented on the reports, saying that people should “Stay the hell out of state party politics.”

Georgia Democrats palace intrigue update: they’re now leaking texts.

Two rules of life:

1) You can’t win a land war in Asia
2) Stay the hell out of state party politics https://t.co/7JxVHm4wbY

— Cody Hall (@CodyHallGA) November 12, 2024

“Georgia Democrats palace intrigue update: they’re now leaking texts. Two rules of life: 1) You can’t win a land war in Asia 2) Stay the hell out of state party politics,” Hall said in a post on X.

Trump defeated Harris, 50.7% to 48.5%, in Georgia, four years after President Joe Biden defeated Trump in the Peach State, 49.47% to 49.24%. Despite losing to Trump, Harris got roughly 74,000 more votes than Biden did, but Trump got more than 200,000 more votes in 2024 than he did in 2020.

In 2026, Ossoff’s Senate seat will be a key pickup opportunity for Republicans, while Democrats will have their eye on several statewide seats held by the GOP, including the governor’s mansion. Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek another four years as governor in 2026.

The Washington Examiner has reached out to both Williams and Ossoff for confirmation.