Governor
As the head of the executive branch, the governor implements the state laws, divides the state budget, and appoints individuals to various boards, commissions, councils, panels, and offices - including judges. The governor also serves as the commander-and-chief of the national guard.
Stacey Abrams
Democrat
Brian Kemp
Republican, Incumbent
Shane Hazel
Libertarian
On the issues
Priorities
What priorities or key issues will you address if elected to this office?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
Ensuring that Georgians have access to affordable healthcare, fully funded education and an economy that works for all will be a few of my main priorities as governor. I will expand Medicaid in the state of Georgia — this will insure 500,000 more Georgians and create over 60,000 jobs in every region of the state. As governor, I will fully fund education, raise base teacher pay to $50,000, restore free technical college, and fund-need based aid in Georgia. I will also invest in small businesses in our state to ensure that they get the support they need. We can do all of these things by leveraging our state’s once-in-a-generation $5 billion surplus and without raising taxes a single dime.
Brian Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Georgia Homeowner Rebate
As the cost to own a home skyrockets under Bidenflation, this proposal will allocate an additional $1 billion to fund homeowner tax relief at the local level in the amended fiscal year 2023 budget. Pending approval by the General Assembly, approximately $1 billion will be sent to local governments who will then exempt up to $20,000 of the eligible assessed value of each qualified homestead in the state for the 2023 tax year. This grant will save the average homeowner in Georgia between 15 and 25 percent – or $500 on average – on their local property tax bill next year.
K-12 Education
Throughout Governor Kemp’s first term, the Kemp administration – in partnership with the General Assembly – has put our students and educators first. From the largest teacher pay raise in state history and funding school security grants, to reducing high-stakes testing, fully-funding our schools, strengthening the teacher pipeline, and keeping divisive politics out of the classroom, Governor Kemp has delivered on his promises to stand with our educators, ensure our students have a bright and promising future, and give parents a voice in their child’s education.
Governor Kemp’s priorities for a second term build on these historic successes by focusing on addressing learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing our educator and school counselor workforce, and implementing stronger school safety measures.
Addressing Learning Loss
While Georgia led the nation in reopening under Governor Kemp’s leadership, a few local school systems chose to play pandemic politics with their students’ education. Ignoring the science and the negative impacts these decisions would have on our children, a handful of school boards and superintendents chose for their students to learn almost exclusively at home in front of a screen – instead of being in the classroom. As a result, in 2019, 73% of 3rd graders in Georgia were reading at or above grade level, and in 2022, that critical statistic had dropped to 63%. In fact, state data shows that over 44,000 students are currently reading below grade level as they enter 4th grade.
While the overwhelming majority of school systems across the state did the right thing by getting their students back in the classroom as soon as possible, a select few did not. Governor Kemp is committed to making sure every child in our state has the opportunity to reach their full potential and succeed in the classroom. Utilizing state funds in his 2023 budget recommendations, Governor Kemp will propose $25 million for a Learning Loss Opportunity Scholarship Grant (LLOSG).
The LLOSG will be a $25 million grant program in the Governor’s Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommendation.
With approximately 44,000 3rd graders entering 4th grade reading below grade level, the LLOSG will provide a grant to eligible schools across the state.
Schools may apply for these grants to leverage additional tutoring services, non-traditional staff, or supplement existing learning loss services.
Educator and School Counselor Workforce
From the beginning of his service as Georgia’s 83rd chief executive, Governor Kemp has made strengthening the Peach State’s education workforce a top priority of his administration. From historic pay raises and record state funding for schools and staff, to reducing the cost of becoming a teacher by 67% and cutting high-stakes testing, Governor Kemp has delivered major reforms that made Georgia a better place to be an educator.
But our work is far from over. The need for more qualified, passionate teachers in our classrooms and counselors in our schools has never been greater. That’s why the governor is proposing two key initiatives for his second term that will build upon our state’s successes over the last few years in recruiting, retaining, and appreciating those who serve our students.
With approximately 9,000 paraprofessionals who have a four-year degree, Governor Kemp is proposing $15 million in state funds for a $3,000 reimbursable grant program to help these hardworking Georgians offset the certification costs of becoming a teacher. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposals will also recommend an additional $25 million for local school systems to recruit more school counselors across the state.
Enhancing School Safety
In his first year in office, Governor Kemp proposed and signed into law school security grants of $30,000 to every school in the state. Schools used these funds to harden their campuses, utilize technology, and train staff.
In his second term, Governor Kemp will propose the following legislation to further enhance school safety efforts statewide.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
As Governor, Shane would commit to nullifying as many laws as possible, standing between you and the tyrannical federal government. He would refuse to back down or kowtow to the political elites. If you're looking for a principled candidate with a commitment to your freedom, you've come to the right place.
Experience
What key experiences would you bring to this role?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
I am a Yale-trained tax attorney, entrepreneur, writer and small business owner. I served as the House Democratic Leader in the Georgia General Assembly from 2011 until 2017. As Democratic Leader, I stopped legislation that would have created the largest tax increase in Georgia history, keeping more money in the pockets of our families. My executive experience includes founding and implementing strategic plans for New Georgia Project, focused on voter registration; Fair Fight Action and Fair Fight PAC, focused on protecting voting rights; and Fair Count, dedicated to meaningful participation in the Census and civic engagement. Each of these organizations is thriving today and making progress on behalf of the people of Georgia. I also founded and served as executive director of the Southern Economic Advancement Project, which develops and promotes policy solutions to challenges in Georgia and neighboring Southern states.
Brain Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Brian P. Kemp is a husband, father, businessman, and public servant. On November 6, 2018, he was elected as Georgia’s 83rd Governor, earning more votes than any gubernatorial candidate in state history. Governor Kemp built his first business – Kemp Development and Construction Company – with a pick-up truck and a shovel. Over thirty years later, he is a successful entrepreneur with companies and investments in banking, farming, timber, manufacturing, and real estate. Brian Kemp ran for Governor on a bold, conservative plan to spur economic growth, reform state government, strengthen rural communities, lower healthcare costs, and protect Georgia families from violence. Since his inauguration on January 14, 2019, he’s worked tirelessly to turn those campaign promises into reality and build a safer, stronger Georgia for all who call the Peach State home.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Shane Hazel is a Georgian, a Marine, and the host of the Radical Podcast. After discovering the works of John Taylor Gatto while serving overseas, he began to see the depth of the corruption in government and started his journey into the ideas of radical freedom.
Economic Recession
Economists predict that the US is nearing a recession. What policies would propose to help Georgians weather an economic downturn?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
As Governor I will ensure that the social safety net is robust and efficient. As mentioned above, I will prioritize Medicaid expansion. Losing your job should not result in losing health insurance. I will also ensure that those eligible for Unemployment Insurance receive their benefits in a timely manner, unlike the delays that happened under the current administration during COVID. Free technical college will allow those impacted by recessions to obtain the skills needed to find a well paying job in growing occupations.
Brian Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. No information was found on the campaign website related to this question.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
You are essential. The current government is not. I will nullify as many regulations as I can so that you may apply your resources where you need them most. You have a right to work.
Georgia will adopt bitcoin as legal tender.
Taxation is Theft. People will pay for the goods & services they consent to use. I will nullify the income tax & as many other taxes as I can.
Affordable Housing
The cost of living has exploded across the country. Georgia has seen record-breaking increases in housing costs and rent in 2022. What measures do you support to improve housing affordability?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
I have a comprehensive housing plan that focuses on the issues of affordability, inventory, gentrification and homelessness. The state currently only invests about $3 million in its affordable housing trust fund. I plan on increasing that by 10 fold to invest in creative solutions to support local governments in addressing housing concerns. These solutions can include funding initiatives like local rental assistance programs to help families avoid eviction and homelessness, second mortgage programs to help people buy their first homes, local housing opportunity bonds to raise money for affordable housing, acquiring and rehabilitating existing affordable housing properties, conversion of extended-stay motels into permanent rental housing, expanding the Georgia DREAM program to assist first time homeowners with down payment assistance, financing property tax deferments for low- and moderate-income households facing rapidly rising property taxes and many others.
I will improve housing affordability and quality through legislative means that have not been supported by the current governor. These can include requiring a certificate of habitability to be included in all rental contracts, eliminating constraints that prevent town, city, and county governments from encouraging development of affordable housing, requiring more affordability requirements on companies that receive tax credits for affordable housing, and prohibiting income discrimination by landlords.
I will develop a statewide comprehensive plan to address homelessness. I will also create a statewide emergency rental assistance program. Currently, the state has over $450 million in federal emergency rental assistance funding it has refused to deploy. An Abrams administration would work collaboratively across the state to ensure we are deploying these funds as quickly as possible to those on the edge of homelessness. I also support increasing the number of shelter beds available to domestic violence victims. Please see my full housing plan at staceyabrams.com.
Brian Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. No information was found on the campaign website related to this question.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. No information was found on the campaign website related to this question.
Gun Violence
What should be done in our state to protect the public from gun violence in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, NY mass shootings?
I believe in responsible gun ownership — we can protect the rights of gun owners and the safety of children at the same time. Violent crime offenses have increased by 23 percent from 2019 to 2020, while homicides increased by 54 percent, and both remained high in 2021. Violence has become increasingly common across the entire state, in both urban and rural areas. This rise in violence is inseparably linked to guns. As governor, I will:
Coordinate with and secure financial incentives for local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to design and implement violence intervention programs.
Reduce guns on the streets by repealing bills that needlessly endanger Georgians — including criminal carry, campus carry, and the 2014 “Guns Everywhere” law.
Close the background check loophole for private transfers and gun show sales.
Close the domestic violence perpetrators loophole.
Adopt red flag legislation to prevent those who have been reported for protective actions or who pose a danger to themselves or others from purchasing a weapon.
Brian Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
In his first year in office, Governor Kemp proposed and signed into law school security grants of $30,000 to every school in the state. Schools used these funds to harden their campuses, utilize technology, and train staff.
In his second term, Governor Kemp will propose the following legislation to further enhance school safety efforts statewide.
Offer “intruder alert drills” for teachers and staff once during the months of August and September.
Intruder alert drills are not currently required in code and there is no reporting requirement
Legislation would require intruder alert drill notification to GEMA
Parents may opt their child out of these drills
District will have local control on what specific drills look like
Schools Safety/Anti-Gang Voluntary Training Endorsement for New Teachers
New teachers will be allowed to take school safety training and gang prevention training, developed by GEMA and GaPSC, as a voluntary endorsement with no cost to the teacher.
School Safety/Anti-Gang Voluntary Training Endorsement for Current Teachers
Current teachers will be allowed to take school safety training and gang prevention training, developed by GEMA and GaPSC, as a voluntary endorsement with no cost to the teacher.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Repeal & nullify as many gun laws as possible
Election Reform and Voting Rights
Do you support the enactment of Georgia’s Election Integrity Act of 2021 (S.B. 202)? Why or why not? What other policies related to voting would you support?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
I opposed S.B. 202, Brian Kemp’s 2021 anti-voter legislation. It was fueled by disinformation, rushed through committee and signed by him behind closed doors to avoid public scrutiny. This bill, he admitted in May, was introduced in response to frustration about the result of the 2020 election, and makes it harder for Black, brown, elderly, disabled, and young voters to cast their ballots. This bill represented a solution in search of a problem, and imposed cruel and unnecessary restrictions on voting. It drastically changed the vote by mail process that Black voters relied on in 2020 by shortening the vote by mail request period and reducing drop boxes in heavily democratic counties. It makes it a crime to hand out food and water to voters standing in line when we know voters of color are more likely to experience longer wait times than white voters. It granted an unelected State Election Board power to replace local election officials that have significant responsibilities over voter access and election certification. SB 202 also allows a single elector to challenge an unlimited number of voters. Tens of thousands have been challenged this year, burdening elections officials at their busiest time of year.
As governor, I will protect and expand the freedom to vote. I will provide consistency for voters across all 159 counties, and ensure that counties have the training, resources and flexibility needed to serve their voters and work with the Secretary of State to do so. I will make voting more accessible by mandating a fair allocation of polling places and polling place resources during early voting and on Election Day, and ensuring that polling locations are stable, convenient and equitable to voters. We will invest in mobile voting precincts to assist seniors, disabled Georgians and Georgians voting in areas with long wait times. Voters should not have to pay for postage for mail ballots, and their votes should count if they’re in the correct county on Election Day, as they do in Early Voting. Lastly, I will veto maps with gerrymandered districts, whether state legislative or Congressional and will advocate to end the practice of state interference and restore local control in local elections.
Brian Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Governor Kemp’s Record - Election Integrity
Passed SB 202, making it easy to vote and hard to cheat in Georgia elections
Banned outside money from flooding local elections, expanded early voting days, secured drop boxes around the clock, and required photo ID for absentee ballots among other provisions to secure our elections
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
“If it made a difference it would be illegal”. Georgia elections have always been rigged. Thru the adoption of Bitcoin people will eliminate State force & coercion. Voting for the goods and services they want with their money will replace Government & it’s waste, fraud and abuse.
Health Insurance and Medicaid Expansion
An estimated 1.4 million Georgians do not have health insurance, making our uninsured rate the third highest in the country. Do you believe the government has a role in addressing this coverage gap? If so, what policies do you support?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
I absolutely believe the government has a role in ensuring our citizens are healthy and safe. Georgia is one of only 12 states that has refused to expand Medicaid. When we expand Medicaid, more than 500,000 additional Georgians will have access and be able to see a health care provider without fear of medical debt, more than 60,000 new jobs will be generated in our local economies and more rural hospitals will be able to keep their doors open. Moreover, Georgians are already paying for Medicaid expansion in other states through their federal tax dollars. By expanding access to Medicaid, we would bring $3 Billion in federal investment annually for the cost of $300 Million in state investment. Medicaid expansion just makes sense.
I will also ensure Georgians without access to healthcare from their employer are able to access plans on the exchange. As governor I will work to increase meaningful coverage options, keep premiums down, and safeguard consumer protections. I will withdraw Kemp’s dangerous waiver and redouble efforts to provide accurate and unbiased information to Georgia consumers about their health insurance options.
Brain Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Governor Kemp’s Record - Healthcare
Governor Kemp led the effort to pass more than 52 health care bills in the General Assembly, including two waivers to make health care accessible to thousands and affordable for millions more
Thanks to Governor Kemp’s leadership in passing the Patients First Act, premiums have decreased across the state, and more providers are now operating in Georgia
Expanded Medicaid coverage for new mothers to one year postpartum
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
All health mandates by the state & federal government will be nullified. Furthermore the health industry will be completely privatized to include charities.
Immigration Reform
An estimated 10% of people living in Georgia are immigrants. Our state also hosts several migrant detention centers, with the Folkston center expected to be one of the largest in the nation after the Biden administration approved its expansion earlier this year. What policy reforms do support for handling immigration influxes to our state? What is your stance on immigration, and how do you foresee working with the Federal government on issues related to immigration?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
I believe every person should be treated with basic human dignity and respect, including members of the immigrant community who are integral to our state. As governor, I will pursue fair, just, and comprehensive immigration reform and balance the conversation of safety with the need to create a pathway to citizenship for individuals in this country.
I strongly oppose the cruel and immoral practice of separating migrant children from their parents. Regardless of political party, all of us must stand up and speak up for the voiceless — or risk inflicting irreparable damage on these families and to our nation.
I will also work collaboratively to improve community relations with immigrant communities. Georgia must reject behavior that forces immigrants into the shadows and prevents immigrants from reporting crimes, either as a victim or a witness. That system undermines the ability of law enforcement to do their jobs and harms us all.
I will ensure DREAMers have access to all of Georgia's universities and colleges and the HOPE scholarship program. I will defend the rights of DREAMers as they pursue their educational goals. My plan for higher education helps put every Georgian on a pathway to debt-free post-secondary education. Many people do not realize that the governor has the ability to appoint the Board of Regents, which oversees our post-secondary system. As governor, I will make sure immigrants, women, people of color, and people with disabilities serve on the Board of Regents.
Brain Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not respond to our requests to participate in this effort. No information was found on the campaign website related to this question.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. No information was found on the campaign website related to this question.
Reproductive Healthcare
What is your position on abortion? Do you support Georgia’s 2019 law, H.B. 481, which prohibits abortion after 6 weeks? What other policies related to abortion do you support
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
I do not support Brian Kemp’s dangerous and callous 6-week abortion ban, which denies women access to an abortion before most even know they are pregnant. I believe abortion is a medical decision, not a political decision. Arbitrary, politically defined timelines are deeply problematic because they ignore the reality of medical and physiological issues. Viability is the metric, and if a woman’s health or life is in danger, then viability extends until the time of birth. Additionally, I will:
Defend Reproductive Rights and Privacy: Protect and expand the rights of women and families to make healthcare decisions and defend the ability of doctors to provide medical care. Veto legislation that would further restrict abortion rights and work to repeal the 6-week abortion ban.
Support Safe Pregnancies: Promote prenatal healthcare for women and their families, including full-range access to care in the event of miscarriage or other complications. Protect doctors who serve families during pregnancy loss.
Promote Equity in Access to Family Planning: Ensure all Georgians have access to the health care they need, including reproductive health care. Work to increase safe and affordable access to contraceptives and achieve reproductive justice for women and families.
Recruit and Retain Physicians Statewide: Work with medical schools to replicate programs like Mercer’s Nathan Deal Scholarship program, which provides tuition funds for students who commit to serving at least four years post-graduation in medically-underserved rural Georgia.
Increase availability of Plan B and Emergency Contraception: Ensure that clinics and healthcare providers can provide emergency contraception that is affordable and accessible to all in need.
Cut funding for “crisis pregnancy centers”: End state funding of so-called “crisis pregnancy centers," which lack oversight, do not use medically sound standards, and do not provide medically accurate information to women who are pregnant.
Invest in Critical Maternal Healthcare: Fund rural hospitals through immediate Medicaid expansion. Leverage state and federal programs to incentivize more doctors and medical personnel to locate in under-served areas and reduce our maternal and infant mortality rates.
Protect Those in Need of Services: Expand protections for clinic escorts to ensure that patients in need of reproductive healthcare are safe. Prosecute those who harm patients outside of reproductive healthcare providers.
Deprioritize Abortion-Related Prosecutions: While the 6-week ban is effect, urge all state law enforcement and prosecutors to resist the criminalization of abortion by deprioritizing abortion-related arrests and subsequent prosecution.
Brain Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Governor Kemp’s Record - Georgia Values All Life
Signed the historic Heartbeat Bill (HB 481) to protect the unborn
Passed foster care and adoption reforms along with anti-human trafficking legislation
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. No information was found on the campaign website related to this question.
Public Safety and Policing
Do you believe there is a problem that exists and needs to be addressed regarding policing? What steps can the Governor’s office take to improve public safety and address concerns about policing in a way that supports trust, safety, and community?
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
Trotting out the same old ‘tough on crime’ playbook of over policing and incarceration will never address the fundamental causes of violent crime and only serves to further alienate law enforcement from the communities that they serve. I believe in a systematic approach to addressing violence that includes restoring trust and building relationships between communities and the police. Members of law enforcement deserve a living wage for the critical work that they do. We have a severe officer shortage across the state that puts officers and community members in dangerous situations. By increasing officer pay, we can attract more and high-quality candidates to the field. We can also restore community trust in the police by developing guidelines for key police department policies governing community relations and the use of force, creating training standards that emphasize de-escalation, tying state funding to local department adoption of best practices, and requiring accountability for unlawful police violence and misconduct. Finally, by investing in mental health and community based services, we can reduce overall crime and ease police-community relations. Please read my full plan at staceyabrams.com.
Brian Kemp, Republican
The Brian Kemp campaign did not submit responses to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
Governor Kemp’s Record - Public Safety
Working alongside state and local law enforcement to crack down on gang violence, street racing, and sex trafficking
Raised state law enforcement pay by $5,000
Created the GBI Anti-Gang Task Force that partners with local law enforcement to get criminal street gangs off our streets
Toughened penalties for street racing, violent crimes
Created the Crime Suppression Unit to use state resources to go after crime in Atlanta
Signed anti-defund the police bill (HB 286) to prevent rogue local governments from defunding the police
Thanks to First Lady Marty Kemp, Georgia has led the way to bring an end to human trafficking.
Governor Kemp toughened penalties, increased awareness, and supported the victims of human trafficking through the unanimous passage of seven pieces of legislation.
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
The Shane Hazel campaign has not yet responded to our questionnaire. The response is taken verbatim from the campaign website:
All state and federal non-violent crimes will be nullified. As the chief executive it is my duty to stand in armed opposition to all that would abuse peaceful people. I will pardon non-violent prisoners. Violent offenders will be dealt with extreme prejudice.
