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Legislative Update from GWCA Lobbyist
It is statewide election time in Georgia. Every four years, our state constitutional officers are up for election, so here we are in 2022. That means races for every position from Governor to Labor Commissioner are up for the voters’ choice. Throw in a United States (US) Senate race, and we have a full campaign season Of course, every seat in the Georgia General Assembly is up, as well.
We have eight (8) constitutional officers up in Georgia. This year, there are only three (3) with no incumbent running. Those offices are Lt. Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, and Labor Commissioner. Current Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan chose not to run so the race is between State Senator Bert Jones (R) and Charlie Bailey (D). In the Agriculture Commissioner race, Incumbent Gary Black ran in the US Senate primary creating an open seat. State Senator Tyler Harper (R) and Nakita Hemingway (D) are vying for that position. Finally, the last open race is for Labor Commissioner between Republican State Senator Bruce Thompson and Democrat State Representative William Bodie.
Of course, the biggest race to watch is the rematch between Governor Brian Kemp and former state representative Stacy Abrams. Governor Kemp won a close race in 2018 and this should be a competitive and spirited race right up to election day. The campaign is already in high gear as evidenced by all the ads seen everywhere. We will be watching this race closely as the Office of the Governor has a huge role in the Workers’ Compensation industry as he appoints the state board members as well as influences legislation.
The offices of the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, and State School Superintendent are all currently held by Republican incumbents and have Democrat challengers.
Over in the General Assembly, all 236 members are up for re-election as they all serve two-year terms. In the House, there are 180 total members with 41 open seats due to retirements or members seeking another office. Currently, there are 103 Republicans, 76 Democrats, and one (1) open seat. While there are several competitive races, we do not believe the majority of seats will flip to unseat the current Republican Majority. This will mean there should not be major changes in key committee chairmanships and leadership positions.
In the State Senate, there are ten (10) open seats out of a total of 56 seats. Again, these openings were created by retirements and members seeking another office. The current breakdown by party is 34 Republicans and 22 Democrats. There are some competitive seats here, but again, we do not believe the current Republican majority will change. There will be a new Lt. Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore, so the opportunity for major changes in committee chairs and leadership exists. We will monitor this after the November elections when the Senate caucus elections take place.
For political junkies like me, this is “The Big Game” of elections. It keeps us busy through the fall as we prepare for the next legislative session in January. We will update you on the elections and other changes as they occur. Enjoy the balance of your summer and fall. And, most of all, please get out there and vote.
