Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced he’s running for governor in 2018. The Athens Republican threw his hat into the ring after weeks of speculation. He’s the first candidate from either party to formally announce.
Kemp issued a statement Friday saying he wants to focus on the state’s economy, particularly in rural Georgia. He also took to social media to share the news.
Kemp has served as Georgia’s secretary of state since January 2010 when he was appointed by then Governor Sonny Perdue to succeed Karen Handel after she resigned to run for governor. Kemp was first elected to the post in November 2010 and again in 2014.
Prior to becoming the state’s top election official, Kemp served in the Georgia State Senate.
