Congressman Hank Johnson issued a statement Saturday calling for Newton County Commissioner John Douglas to resign over a racist, sexist comment Douglas posted on Facebook.

“I am shocked and appalled that a public official who represents constituents in the same county that I represent would harbor attitudes towards African-Americans – and Black women in particular – as venomous and hateful as those expressed by former Republican state lawmaker and current Newton County Commissioner John Douglas,” said Johnson, who represents Georgia's 4th congressional district.

“To make matter worse, Commissioner Douglas was dishonest and untruthful in first denying he had posted his ugly and demeaning comments on Facebook. Then, after acknowledging that the offensive comments were his, he doubled down and said that he would say the same thing again, and that he would apologize only when the victim of his racist attacks apologized to him. Finally, he expressed what can only be described as a half-hearted apology. Commissioner Douglas’ views have no place in public life, and he should try to reclaim what little honor he has left by resigning immediately from the Newton County Commission."

“Moreover, I call upon my Republican colleagues to join me in the call for the resignation of Newton County Republican Party Chair Bill Perugino. His refusal, on behalf of the party, to immediately denounce the comments of Commissioner Douglas displays at worst his agreement with the racist and sexist sentiments of Commissioner Douglas, or at best, his lack of understanding that we live in the 21st not the 19th century.”

Douglas, who has apologized for his comments on social media and in front of the Board of Commissioners (which can be seen here), responded to Johnson's request via Facebook.

"I appreciate his position as a Congressman and have great respect for him but I am not leaving," Douglas said. "I was elected to represent the first district and that is what I will continue to do."