Wednesday, August 6, 2025–9:00 a.m.
-Staff reports-
Former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond has officially launched his campaign for Governor of Georgia, joining an ever-growing Democratic field.
Thurmond also served as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner from 1999-2011.
In a news release, Thurmond said:
“I’m running for Governor to fight for working families, protect and expand access to healthcare, and build an education system that creates multiple pathways to success. 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.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that in order to build bridges, you must be willing to be the bridge,” he said.
Thurmond is the sixth Democrat to officially announce their candidacy for the state’s top job.
The others are:
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
Olu Brown, founding and Lead Pastor of Impact United Methodist Church in the East Point community.
Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves
Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson, who served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, where he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
So far, three Republicans have declared their candidacy.
They are:
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr
Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones
US Army and Georgia Army National Guard veteran Ken Yasger.