About Governor Brian P. Kemp
A native of Athens, Georgia, Brian Kemp started his first small business over 35 years ago with a pickup truck and a shovel. His experience as a small business owner has driven his mission to put hardworking Georgians first since taking office as Georgia's 83rd governor in 2019. Throughout his first term, the Peach State consistently broke economic records, with jobs and investments coming to every region of the state. Thanks to his decision to reopen Georgia’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic – the first state in the nation to do so – its unemployment rate remains at historic lows, there are more Georgians working than ever before, and the state has been named No. 1 for business for an unprecedented twelve consecutive years. In 2022, Governor Kemp was re-elected to serve a second term, running on a record of economic success in the Peach State and a plan to help Georgia families fight through 40-year-high inflation while strengthening public safety and improving education. He has championed legislation to crack down on violent crimes and street gangs, end human trafficking and support its victims, enact historic tax cuts for families, give teachers historic pay raises, and ensure Georgia's K-12 education system puts students and parents first. Governor Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and their three adult daughters live on their family farm in Athens.
The Governor leads the state government. The Governor signs or vetoes bills passed by the legislature, proposes the state budget, appoints agency heads and, in many states, judges, and commands the state's National Guard. In most states the Governor can also grant pardons.
