Former Dekalb County CEO Mike Thurmond (D) has officially launched his campaign for Governor of Georgia.
A Wednesday press release from Thurmond said he will run with an emphasis on lowering the costs of living, addressing healthcare and advocating for education in Georgia.
“Throughout my career, I've learned that in order to build bridges, you must be willing to be the bridge,” Thurmond said. “Right now, the American Dream is slipping away from many Georgians. Washington Republicans have put 750,000 Georgians’ access to healthcare at risk and cut critical food assistance to struggling families – but the fight is just beginning. From north to south and east to west, we must unite to build one Georgia to tackle these problems.”
During his time as CEO of Dekalb County, Thurmond said he eliminated a $27 million deficit he inherited from the role, created a $140 million surplus, and passed legislation that generated over $1.6 billion in property tax relief for county home owners.
Prior to becoming CEO, Thurmond was appointed as superintendent of the DeKalb County School District and worked as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner. Additionally, he served in the Georgia General Assembly.
"This campaign won’t be about promises, but performance,” Thurmond said. “I have led the transformation of broken private and public organizations, passed tax relief for Georgia seniors and working families, and helped more than 300,000 unemployed Georgians find good jobs. Georgia deserves a leader with the courage to tune out the political nonsense, bring people together, and get results. The fight is not over – let’s put our boots on Georgia ground to get the job done.”
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, State Sen. Jason Esteves, State Rep. Derrick Jackson and former church pastor Olujimi Brown have all announced their candidacies on the Democratic side. Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Georgia Attorney General Chriss Carr announced their runs as Republicans.
To learn more about Thurmond’s campaign, click here.
