If you’re checking the news today, January 17, 2026, and wondering who is governor of Georgia, the answer is still Brian Kemp. He’s the 83rd person to hold the job. Honestly, it feels like he’s been around forever because he’s currently in the final stretch of his second term. In Georgia, you can’t serve more than two consecutive terms as governor. So, while he’s the man in charge right now, the clock is ticking toward the 2026 election.
Kemp is a Republican from Athens. He’s been a fixture in Georgia politics for decades, starting way back as a state senator before becoming the Secretary of State. You might remember the 2018 election—it was everywhere. He narrowly beat Stacey Abrams in a race that put Georgia on the map as a major national battleground. Then he did it again in 2022, winning by a much wider margin.
He’s basically built his brand on being a "workhorse, not a showhorse." That’s a phrase he uses all the time. He likes to talk about "hardworking Georgians" and the "Peach State" being the number one place for business. Whether you love his policies or not, he’s undeniably shaped what Georgia looks like today.
What Brian Kemp is Doing Right Now
Just a few days ago, on January 15, 2026, Kemp gave his final State of the State address. It’s kinda a big deal because it sets the tone for his last year in office. He didn’t hold back on the spending proposals either. He’s pushing for a fourth one-time tax rebate of $1 billion. If it passes the General Assembly, it means about $250 back for single filers and up to $500 for married couples.
He’s also trying to slash the state income tax rate down to 4.99%. He’s been promising to get it under 5% for years, and he’s trying to finish that goal three years ahead of schedule.
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But it’s not just about taxes. Kemp has been dealing with some heavy stuff lately. Think back to the mess Hurricane Helene left behind. The state is still recovering from that, and Kemp has been vocal about getting federal aid for farmers and timber growers who lost billions. He’s been working with both parties in Congress to make sure that money actually shows up.
The 2026 Election: Who’s Next?
Since Kemp is term-limited, everyone is already looking at who’s going to take his place. The 2026 Georgia gubernatorial election is already heating up. It’s going to be one of the most watched races in the country.
On the Republican side, you’ve got some big names. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is a front-runner and has the backing of Donald Trump. Then there’s Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. If you follow Georgia politics, you know Raffensperger and Kemp both had some famous friction with Trump after the 2020 election. That dynamic is still very much alive in the GOP primary.
Democrats are lining up too. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is leading early polls. There’s also State Senator Jason Esteves, who just got a massive endorsement from Sally Yates.
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It’s gonna be a wild year.
A Look at the Governor’s Record
Kemp’s legacy is a bit of a mixed bag depending on who you ask. Supporters point to the economy. Georgia has been ranked the top state for business for over a decade. He’s also focused heavily on rural Georgia, trying to bring big manufacturing jobs—like electric vehicle plants—to places outside of Atlanta.
On the other hand, he’s faced plenty of criticism. His signatures on strict abortion laws and major changes to Georgia’s election rules (like SB 202) sparked national debates and even led to some boycotts.
He’s also been a bit of a maverick within his own party. He stood his ground against pressure to overturn the 2020 election results, which made him a target for some, but arguably helped him win over moderate voters in 2022.
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Quick Facts About the Georgia Governor’s Office
- Current Salary: The job pays about $180,000 a year.
- Residence: The Governor’s Mansion is on West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.
- Power: The governor has the power to veto bills, appoint people to vacant offices, and serves as the commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces.
Why This Matters to You
So, why should you care who is governor of Georgia? Basically, this person decides where your tax money goes. They decide if the state’s surplus—which is currently huge—gets spent on schools, roads, or sent back to you in a check.
They also set the vibe for the state’s culture and economy. Kemp has leaned hard into the "pro-business" identity. The next person might have a totally different focus.
If you live in Georgia, his current proposals for a $2,000 pay supplement for state employees and teachers could hit your wallet directly. Or, if you’re a commuter, his plan to drop $1.8 billion into express lanes on I-75 south in Henry County might actually make your drive less of a nightmare.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your voter registration: The primary for the next governor is in May 2026. If you want a say in who replaces Kemp, make sure you're registered on the Georgia My Voter Page.
- Track the Tax Rebate: Keep an eye on the Georgia General Assembly’s 2026 session. If Kemp’s $1 billion rebate proposal passes, you’ll want to know when to expect that check.
- Follow the Candidates: Look into the platforms of Burt Jones, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Chris Carr. The shift from Kemp to a new leader will change Georgia's trajectory for the next four to eight years.