Oct 21, 2025
It’s Time to Set the Record Straight
I was really hesitant to post this…
Because sometimes when you say you’re for one group, people assume you’re against another. That’s not who I am, and that’s not what this is about. But this needs to be said.
Over the last few days, I’ve received call after call and text after text and the final one came this morning at 7 a.m. So I knew it was time to address this directly.
There’s been a lot of chatter online lately — people wondering whether I’m a Democrat or a Republican.
Well, let me clear that up. I’ve been a registered Democrat my entire life.
When I decided to run for office, I made a commitment to understand all sides of our community. That meant attending both Democratic and Republican meetings — listening, learning, and building relationships. It was an eye-opening experience. I learned more about the Republican Party, met some great people, and even gained new supporters. It was scary at first, I’ll admit. I’m walking into a room with one or two other people who looked like me; one man had a firearm on his hip, and I didn’t know what to expect. They were respectful, kind, and embraced me from the first meeting.
This is a nonpartisan race, and that’s not just a label — it’s a responsibility. I don’t just say I represent all the people; I actually take the time to listen to all the people. That means small business owners, homeowners and renters, seniors and youth, veterans and working families — everyone who lives, works, plays, prays, and votes in McDonough.
Unfortunately, my opponent has been telling people I’m a Republican. When I asked where she heard that, her response was, “I just know you are.” My response? “If I didn’t say it, then it’s gossip and it’s not true. Stop spreading rumors.”
My voting record is public. I voted for Kamala Harris in 2024. Because of my work with small businesses, I’ve been invited to the White House under both administrations and sit on a few national boards. Although I’m new to Henry County, I’m not new to the business world.
I am a conservative Democrat.
I’m also a fiscal conservative, and I recognize that many of my views align with Republican principles around business, family, and faith. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate perspectives on both sides. However, I’ve also witnessed how some individuals, especially online, can use politics as a shield for hate and that’s not acceptable. The racism and bullying I’ve experienced from a few individuals who identify as Republicans has been disappointing and disheartening.
I want to be clear, I don’t believe this represents all Republicans. I have Republican friends, neighbors, and supporters whom I respect and appreciate. But our nation still carries wounds, and those words and actions matter. We can’t heal or move forward if we’re not honest about that truth.
I will continue to attend both Republican and Democratic party meetings because I am about faith, family, and the future of McDonough. I have friends on both sides, and no, I will never vote down party lines without researching candidates. I want to choose the best leaders for our community and our country.
My husband is a retired 21-year veteran, and my son proudly serves in the military. For me, this is bigger than party politics. It’s about our people, our neighborhoods, and our shared future.
Recently, I’ve also been called “fake” online by people upset because I supported the DG Market on Avalon Parkway. I stand by that decision because it serves our broader community — not just a subdivision of 296 homes but also the 2,000+ residents in the apartments right next to it. The subdivision was built in 2016, and the apartment building was built in 2006. The land sat empty and vacant for over 20 years with no development.
DG Market has a proven record of supporting diverse, women-owned, minority-owned, and small businesses, and that matters to me.
There’s so much more to me than what you read online. If you haven’t had a conversation with me, I invite you to do so before forming an opinion based on rumors. Our community deserves better and so do I.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this campaign isn’t about party politics — it’s about people, progress, and community.
Let’s finish these last two weeks strong and build a better McDonough, together.
— Montina Young Fraiser
Candidate for McDonough City Council At-Large
🗳️ Election Day: November 4, 2025
📍 Early Voting: Visit montinaformcdonough.com/vote for polling locations and hours.


