Stacey Abrams ditches her gubernatorial ambitions to take a job as a Howard University

Former Georgia politician Stacey Abrams accepted a job at Howard University after her failed run as governor of The Peach State.

Abrams, 49, appears to be putting aside her political ambitions for office as she is set to start her new position as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics, the university announced on Wednesday.

The politician served as a state representative from 2007 up until 2017 when she reigned to run for governor in 2022. Abrams nearly won the gubernatorial race but was defeated in a slim win by Republican Brian Kemp. 

While Abrams' political endeavors have failed in the past year, she will start her term at the university in September to teach about the issues black people have faced in politics and provide knowledge on how they can find 'real-world' solutions to combat struggles, according to the university.

Stacey Abrams accepted a multi-year position at Howard University as the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics

Abrams, who recently lost the Georgia gubernatorial race to Republican Brian Kemp, appears to be taking a step back from the political playing field. Pictured: Howard University 

'We are at an inflection point for American and international democracy, and I look forward to engaging Howard University's extraordinary students in a conversation about where they can influence, shape and direct the critical public policy decisions we face,' Abrams wrote in a statement. 

Aside from Abrams' political resume, her non-profit work centered around social issues, voter engagement and democracy has made her the perfect fit for the position, Wayne A.I. Fredrick, Howard University President, wrote in a statement.

'Stacey Abrams has proven herself an essential voice and eager participant in protecting American democracy – not just for certain populations, but for everyone with the fundamental right to make their voices heard,' Fredrick wrote.

'As the inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair, Ms. Abrams’ selection not only honors the work and legacy of renowned political strategist and scholar Dr. Ronald Walters, it expands on that legacy by bringing Howard students in dialogue with a contemporary candidate whose work has directly influenced today’s political landscape,' the statement continued. 

Anthony K. Wutoh, Howard University Provost and Chief Academic Officer, added that Abrams' extensive experience would make her a key figure on campus for people of color and women.

'Stacey Abrams is a respected voice in American politics, known for her advocacy for voting rights, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and economic empowerment for marginalized communities,' Wutoh wrote.  

'She continues to be an influential figure in the Democratic Party and a role model for young women and people of color who aspire to enter the policy arena.' 

Wayne A.I. Fredrick, Howard University President, wrote in a statement that Abrams' extensive career makes her a perfect fit for the role

It's unclear how much Abrams will be paid but the former gubernatorial candidate owed vendors $1million for the lavish $100m campaign she lost in November.

As of December, Abrams owed her campaign vendors $1million after she spent thousands a month renting a TikTok 'hype house' and a swag truck to win over young voters. 

At the time, her campaign manager, Lauren Groh-Wargo, confirmed to Axios that the wannabe-governor owes more than $1million. 

Abrams lavished $12,500 a month on the TikTok house - near Piedmont Park - to make content for her campaign, only to barely use it. Staffers eventually turned the five-bedroom home into an a makeshift office, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

She also used a swag truck with her face on it to hand out sweatshirts and t-shirts in the hopes of winning over young voters - however, staffers complained Abrams had no real strategy for the truck and it ended up being costly. 

She had a pop-up swag truck with her face on it, where she handed out free hoodies and t-shirts to win over young voters. Staffers said there was no strategy for the expensive endeavor