Brian Kemp

Brian Kemp is an American politician serving as the 83rd Governor of Georgia, a position he has held since January 14, 2019. He was previously the Secretary of State of Georgia from January 8, 2010, to January 8, 2018, and a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2003 to 2007, representing the 46th district. During his tenure, he has worked closely with U.S. Senators like Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, as well as U.S. Representatives such as Doug Collins and Jody Hice.

● Early Life and Education

Brian Kemp was born on November 2, 1963, in Athens, Georgia, to Wilma Kemp and Julian Kemp. He grew up in a family of University of Georgia graduates and attended Clarke Central High School. After graduating from high school, Kemp enrolled in the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1987. During his time at the university, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and was involved in various agricultural and environmental sciences organizations, including the Georgia 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. After college, Kemp worked in various roles, including as a USDA Farm Service Agency employee and a Georgia Farm Bureau member.

● Career

Before entering politics, Kemp worked in the private sector, including as a small business owner and a real estate developer. He was also involved in various community organizations, such as the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. In 2002, Kemp was elected to the Georgia State Senate, where he served for four years, representing the 46th district. During his time in the state senate, he worked closely with other lawmakers, including Casey Cagle and Tommie Williams, to pass legislation related to taxation, education, and healthcare. Kemp's experience in the private sector and his work in the state senate helped shape his views on issues like job creation, economic development, and fiscal responsibility, which he later applied as Governor of Georgia.

● Political Career

Kemp's political career began in 2002 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He served two terms in the state senate before being elected as the Secretary of State of Georgia in 2010. As Secretary of State, Kemp worked to improve voter registration and election security, often collaborating with federal election officials and state election officials from across the country. He also played a key role in implementing voter ID laws in Georgia, which was supported by organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council and the National Rifle Association. In 2018, Kemp announced his candidacy for Governor of Georgia, running on a platform of tax cuts, immigration reform, and gun rights, which resonated with voters who supported Donald Trump in the 2016 United States presidential election.

● Governor of Georgia

As Governor of Georgia, Kemp has focused on issues like economic development, education reform, and public safety. He has worked to attract new businesses to the state, including film production companies like Netflix and Amazon Studios, and has supported the growth of small businesses and startups through initiatives like the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Small Business Administration. Kemp has also prioritized education reform, including the expansion of charter schools and vocational training programs, which has been supported by organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. In addition, he has taken steps to improve public safety, including the creation of a gang task force and the implementation of criminal justice reform measures, which have been endorsed by law enforcement officials like FBI Director Christopher Wray and GBI Director Vic Reynolds.

● Personal Life

Kemp is married to Marty Kemp, and they have three daughters together, Jarrett Kemp, Lucy Kemp, and Amy Porter Kemp. He is a member of the Piedmont Baptist Church and has been involved in various community organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the United Way. Kemp is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time, often participating in events like the National Rifle Association's Annual Meetings & Exhibits and the Georgia Wildlife Federation's Wildlife Conservation efforts. As governor, Kemp has continued to prioritize his family and community, often attending events like the Georgia National Fair and the University of Georgia's football games, and has worked to support organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.