Brian Kemp has served as Georgia’s 83rd governor since 2019, leading the state through economic booms, policy reforms, and national political debates. A Republican with roots in small business and agriculture, Kemp’s tenure emphasizes job growth, education improvements, and conservative governance principles. His journey from entrepreneur to statewide leader reflects a focus on putting hardworking Georgians first while navigating complex challenges in elections, public health, and economic development.
Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Kemp built his early career around practical enterprise before entering public service. His approach to leadership draws from real-world business experience, shaping initiatives that prioritize fiscal responsibility and opportunity across urban and rural areas alike.
Early Life and Education
Brian Porter Kemp was born on November 2, 1963, in Athens, Georgia, into a family with deep agricultural ties. Growing up in a community centered on farming and local commerce, he developed an appreciation for hard work and self-reliance from an early age. He attended Athens Academy through ninth grade before transferring to Clarke Central High School, where he graduated in 1983.
Kemp pursued higher education at the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1987. This academic foundation aligned with his family’s background and provided practical knowledge that later influenced his business ventures and policy decisions related to rural development and economic growth in Georgia’s agricultural regions.
His early experiences in a college town and agricultural setting instilled values of independence and community involvement, traits that carried forward into his professional and political life.
Business Career Before Politics
After college, Kemp launched his entrepreneurial path by starting a lawn care service with basic equipment, including a pickup truck and a shovel. This modest beginning grew into successful ventures in home building, property development, and real estate investment. He founded Kemp Properties, a company focused on property management and investments, demonstrating his ability to identify opportunities and build sustainable operations.
Kemp also served as a founding director of First Madison Bank and held positions on boards, including St. Mary’s Hospital. These roles expanded his expertise in finance, community development, and healthcare administration. His business accomplishments established a foundation of credibility when he later transitioned to public office, emphasizing private-sector solutions to state challenges.
Throughout his pre-political career, Kemp prioritized job creation and economic expansion in local communities, principles that became central to his governance agenda.
Entry into Politics and State Senate Service
Kemp entered politics in 2002, winning election to the Georgia State Senate representing the 46th District. He defeated the incumbent Democrat and served from 2003 to 2007. During his term, he focused on issues important to his district, including economic development and local governance.
In 2006, Kemp ran for Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture but lost in the Republican primary runoff. This experience provided valuable insights into statewide campaigns and policy debates, preparing him for future roles. After leaving the Senate, he continued building his business interests while staying engaged in Republican politics.
His legislative record in the Senate highlighted support for business-friendly measures and conservative fiscal policies, setting the stage for higher office.
Secretary of State Tenure
In 2010, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Kemp as Georgia’s Secretary of State, a position he won in election later that year and defended in 2014. As Secretary, Kemp oversaw elections, business registrations, and state records. He prioritized modernizing voting systems, including introducing new voting machines and enhancing efficiency.
His tenure included efforts to secure election processes amid national concerns over foreign interference. He rejected certain federal assistance proposals, citing states’ rights. However, the period faced challenges, including a 2015 data breach affecting millions of voter records and a 2017 system vulnerability.
Kemp implemented voter roll maintenance programs, including removals of inactive registrations, which drew both praise for accuracy and criticism over potential impacts on access. These experiences informed his later push for election reforms as governor.
- Election Modernization: Kemp introduced updated voting equipment and streamlined processes to improve reliability and accessibility for voters across Georgia.
- Voter Roll Management: Programs aimed at removing outdated registrations sought to maintain accurate lists, though they sparked debates about disenfranchisement risks.
- Security Measures: Actions to protect against interference emphasized state control over elections, aligning with broader conservative priorities on sovereignty.
- Business Oversight: As Secretary, he managed corporate filings and professional licensing, ensuring efficient operations for Georgia’s growing economy.
- Public Transparency: Initiatives increased open records access and accountability in state administration.
- Controversy Management: Responses to data incidents included credit monitoring for affected individuals and audits to prevent future breaches.
- Preparation for Higher Office: The role built statewide name recognition and expertise in electoral systems.
2018 Gubernatorial Campaign and Election
Kemp announced his candidacy for governor in 2017, running on promises of economic growth, public safety, and conservative values. He advanced through the Republican primary, defeating Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle in a runoff before facing Democrat Stacey Abrams in the general election.
The 2018 race became one of the closest in Georgia history, with Kemp winning by about 55,000 votes. Allegations of voter suppression surfaced due to his dual role as Secretary of State and candidate, though investigations found no decisive impact on the outcome. Kemp resigned as Secretary upon victory and was sworn in on January 14, 2019.
The campaign highlighted themes of job creation and law enforcement, resonating with voters amid shifting demographics in the state.
2022 Re-election and Second Term
In 2022, Kemp sought re-election against Stacey Abrams once more. He first defeated former Senator David Perdue in the Republican primary, overcoming opposition despite external endorsements against him. In the general election, Kemp secured a more decisive victory with 53.4% of the vote.
His re-election focused on economic records, education reforms, and crime reduction. Sworn in for a second term on January 9, 2023, Kemp pledged continued progress in affordability, infrastructure, and workforce development. As term limits prevent a third consecutive run, his final years emphasize legacy-building initiatives.
Key Policies and Achievements as Governor
Kemp’s administration has prioritized economic development, earning Georgia recognition as the top state for business multiple years in a row. Initiatives include attracting major investments, supporting rural growth, and implementing tax relief measures. The state has seen record job numbers and low unemployment, attributed to pro-business policies.
In education, Kemp championed teacher pay raises and parental involvement reforms. Criminal justice efforts targeted violent crime and gang activity, while infrastructure projects improved transportation and energy systems. Recent 2026 announcements include investments in affordability, workforce training, and rural site development grants.
- Economic Growth: Georgia attracted billions in investments, creating jobs across sectors and maintaining historic low unemployment rates through targeted recruitment.
- Tax Relief: Historic cuts provided savings for families and businesses, supporting economic resilience amid national inflation pressures.
- Education Investments: Teacher salary increases and reforms aimed at putting students and parents first enhanced K-12 outcomes and educator support.
- Public Safety: Legislation cracked down on violent crime, human trafficking, and street gangs, bolstering law enforcement resources.
- Rural Development: Strike teams and grants focused on underserved areas, promoting balanced growth statewide.
- Infrastructure Advances: Funding for transportation and energy projects addressed long-term needs and supported expansion.
- Affordability Measures: 2026 priorities targeted cost-of-living challenges through strategic budget allocations.
COVID-19 Response and Public Health
During the pandemic, Kemp issued a statewide stay-at-home order in April 2020 and became the first governor to lift restrictions later that month. He opposed broad mask mandates, prohibiting local governments from imposing them in some cases, prioritizing economic reopening. This approach drew mixed reactions, with praise for business recovery and criticism over health outcomes.
Georgia’s unemployment rate rebounded strongly, contributing to long-term economic strength. The strategy reflected a balance between public health guidance and maintaining livelihoods.
Election Reforms and Integrity Efforts
Kemp signed the Election Integrity Act in 2021, expanding early voting while requiring identification for absentee ballots and adjusting drop box rules. Additional measures in 2024 strengthened voter challenges and security protocols. These changes aimed to build confidence in electoral processes following national debates.
Relationship with National Politics
Kemp’s interactions with former President Donald Trump included initial support followed by tensions after the 2020 election certification. Despite criticisms, Kemp endorsed Trump in 2024 and focused on state priorities. As chair of the Republican Governors Association since late 2024, he influences national GOP strategy.
In 2025, Kemp declined a U.S. Senate bid and supported Georgia National Guard deployment for public safety efforts. His approach maintains independence while aligning on key conservative issues.
Personal Life and Family
Kemp married Marty Argo on January 8, 1994. The couple has three daughters: Jarrett, Lucy, and Amy Porter. The family resides on their farm in Athens and attends Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Marty Kemp has supported education and community initiatives as First Lady.
Kemp’s family life emphasizes privacy and community roots, with his daughters pursuing their own paths as adults. His background as a husband and father informs policies on family support and education.
Financial Overview and Net Worth
Estimates place Brian Kemp’s net worth around $8 to $8.6 million, derived from business holdings, investments, and property. His wealth grew during his time in office through various assets, including rental properties and business interests. Financial disclosures reflect transparency in his public service career.
These resources stem primarily from pre-political enterprises in real estate and development, consistent with his entrepreneurial history.
Conclusion
Brian Kemp’s tenure as Georgia governor combines business acumen with policy leadership, delivering record economic performance, education enhancements, and public safety measures. From his early lawn care venture to statewide office, he has focused on opportunity, integrity, and growth for all Georgians. As his second term progresses into 2026, priorities in affordability, infrastructure, and workforce development aim to sustain momentum and leave a lasting impact on the state’s future.
