Tomlinson's campaign is working with well-known Democratic strategist Joe Trippi, and has hired a team of advisers including Edana Walker, a former Abrams finance director. But her first round of fundraising – she collected about $520,000 over three months – left an opening for rivals to jump in.

Perdue is preparing, too, for a re-election battle that will bring a deluge of money and attention to Georgia, which is expected to be a battleground state for President Donald Trump's quest for a second term.

While Abrams has said she’ll stay out of the race, Amico would likely use her 2018 strategy as a blueprint if she runs. That means a focus on healthcare and voting rights – and a concerted effort to appeal to minorities and first-time voters.

She did not immediately comment on Monday, but previously told the AJC that her potential campaign would focus on putting Georgians’ needs first “instead of hiding behind partisan politics and endless excuses.”