Penny Brown Reynolds, a Biden administration appointee and former Fulton County state judge who also settled family disputes on TV, has announced her candidacy for secretary of state. She is one of the first Democratic candidates to enter the race, joining voting rights advocate Adrian Consonery Jr.
The secretary of state is responsible for overseeing elections across the state, granting business licenses for a variety of professions, and managing Georgia’s securities market. Brown Reynolds’ campaign is focused on protecting Georgians’ voting rights, supporting small businesses, protecting senior citizens and other vulnerable communities from fraud, and restoring public trust in government.
“Government exists to serve the people, not partisanship or personal gain,” she said in a press release announcing her candidacy. “Every Georgian, no matter their zip code, age or income, deserves dignity, fairness, and the chance to succeed. I’m running because I believe in a Georgia for all of us; a Georgia where democracy works and leaders lead with integrity.”
In 2022, she was nominated to a senior position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture under former President Joe Biden, where she helped lead the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. She is also known for the 2008-2009 reality TV show “Family Court with Judge Penny.”
Brown Reynolds has secured a key endorsement from former Gov. Roy Barnes, for whom she once worked as his executive counsel. Barnes, who was the last Democratic governor of Georgia, is also chairing Brown Reynolds’ campaign.
“Judge Penny has the vision, integrity, and proven record to lead,” Barnes said. “Georgia needs a secretary of state who can restore confidence, protect our democracy, and get results for everyone — that’s why I’m proud to support her.”
On the Republican side, three major candidates have launched their own campaigns, including Gabriel Sterling, the secretary of state’s former chief operating officer; Kelvin King, a former U.S. Senate candidate and husband of State Election Board member Janelle King; and state Rep. Tim Fleming, a Covington Republican and the chairman of a House study committee on elections. Current Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has launched a bid for governor.
