From dodging a Deloitte firing to navigating grief, genocide, and the Georgia General Assembly, Rep. Ruwa Romman returns to finish the story she started. In this follow-up episode, Ruwa opens up about her time at Deloitte, her work defending the census, and the chaos that followed when her campaign was leaked to the press. The trio delves deeply into Georgia politics, organizational philosophy, coalition-building, messaging strategy, and the personal toll of being a Palestinian-American woman in elected office. A masterclass in resilience, message discipline, and finding power in spite.

📍 (02:12) — From Deloitte to the Census Bureau: Government Work and the Fight Against Misinformation

Ruwa shares her journey through Deloitte’s public sector arm and how she ended up combating misinformation for the U.S. Census—connecting data collection to hospital planning, political power, and Jamal Bowman's seat.

📍 (11:41) — From “No Way” to Election Day: How a Leaked Article Sparked Her Campaign

A surprise AJC article about Ruwa “entertaining a run” becomes the unofficial launch of her campaign—setting off panic, purpose, and overwhelming grassroots support that forced her to say yes.

📍 (20:14) — Beating the Odds: Governor Opposition, Donor Doubt, and Winning Anyway

Ruwa unpacks the skepticism she faced, including donors who doubted her chances, and how she won her general election by a larger margin even after the governor endorsed against her.

📍 (30:40) — Carrying Grief and Fighting Back: Palestine, Policy, and Political Pressure

Ruwa discusses the emotional weight of being the only Palestinian-American legislator in the South during the war in Gaza, navigating trauma while fulfilling her duties, and resisting resignation.

📍 (36:03) — Common Sense or “Progressive”? Ruwa’s Politics and the Southern Strategy for Change

She pushes back on political labels, calls for a broader southern strategy that centers overlooked voters, and breaks down why Georgia isn’t backwards—it’s the future.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award:
This episode’s Mamba Mentality Award goes to Representative Ruwa Romman for embodying passion, fearlessness, and relentlessness. From community cookouts to statehouse floor votes, Ruwa consistently shows up with discipline, dignity, and deep commitment to her people. As Kevin puts it, “you make us ask ourselves if we’re doing enough.”