Brian Kemp

Kemp was born in Athens, Georgia, the son of William L. Kemp II, into a prominent family with a history of political power. Kemp's maternal grandfather, Julian H. Cox, was a member of the Georgia Legislature.{{cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/solid-republican-brian-kemp-plays-rural-roots-business-bonafides/OTAHo7LgnwgnnwKQG2CyFI/|title='Solid': Republican Brian Kemp plays up rural roots, business bonafides|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|author=Jennifer Brett|date=October 13, 2018|access-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013122103/https://www.ajc.com/news/solid-republican-brian-kemp-plays-rural-roots-business-bonafides/OTAHo7LgnwgnnwKQG2CyFI/|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Kemp attended the private Athens Academy until ninth grade, and then transferred to Clarke Central High School to play football for Billy Henderson; he graduated in 1983.{{cite web |last1=Ford |first1=Wayne |title=Athens Academy observes 50th anniversary |url=http://www.onlineathens.com/local-news/2017-09-04/athens-academy-observes-50th-anniversary |publisher=Athens Banner-Herald |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725122858/http://www.onlineathens.com/local-news/2017-09-04/athens-academy-observes-50th-anniversary |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |title=Alums Kalupe Booze '11 and Joe Tillman '87 Lead Middle School Spartans to Championship |url=https://www.athensacademy.org/page/news-detail?pk=905702 |publisher=Athens Academy |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005620/https://www.athensacademy.org/page/news-detail?pk=905702 |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} He later{{When|date=October 2024}} graduated from the University of Georgia, where he majored in agriculture.

Kemp was a home builder and developer before entering politics.

He served as a Georgia State Senator from 2003 to 2007 after defeating the Democratic incumbent Doug Haines.{{cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7155|title=Ourcampaigns.com|publisher=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041234/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7155|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In 2006, Kemp ran for Agriculture Commissioner of Georgia. He finished second in the primary,{{cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=304316|title=Ourcampaigns.com|publisher=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041146/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=304316|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} but lost the runoff to Gary Black.{{cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=304317|title=Ourcampaigns.com|publisher=Ourcampaigns.com|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041256/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=304317|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kemp declared his candidacy for State Senate District 47 when incumbent Ralph Hudgens planned to run for Congress in Georgia's 10th congressional district, but Hudgens instead ran for reelection, changing Kemp's plans.{{cite web|url=https://www.peachpundit.com/2007/02/19/kemp-makes-it-official/|title=Peachpundit.com|date=February 19, 2007|publisher=peachpundit.com|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615214939/http://www.peachpundit.com/2007/02/19/kemp-makes-it-official/|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

File:David Perdue and Brian Kemp.jpg in February 2017, in his state Capitol office.]]

In early 2010, Kemp was appointed Georgia Secretary of State by then-Governor Sonny Perdue.{{cite web|url=https://www.georgiatrend.com/August-2012/Q-A-With-Secretary-Of-State-Brian-Kemp/|title=georgiatrend.com|date=July 31, 2012|publisher=Georgiatrend.com|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030202/http://www.georgiatrend.com//August-2012/Q-A-With-Secretary-Of-State-Brian-Kemp|archive-date=June 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kemp won the 2010 election for a full term as secretary of state with 56.4% of the vote, to 39.4% for Democratic nominee Georganna Sinkfield.{{cite web|url=http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results/2010_1102/00220.htm|title=GA – Election Results|publisher=Georgia Secretary of State|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327212712/http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results/2010_1102/00220.htm|archive-date=March 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Four years later, Kemp was reelected.

Kemp rejects the conclusion by the United States Intelligence Community that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/world/national-security/obama-putin-election-hacking/|title=Obama's secret struggle to punish Russia for Putin's election assault|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723041206/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/world/national-security/obama-putin-election-hacking/|archive-date=July 23, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Amid Russian interference in the 2016 election, Kemp denounced the Obama administration's efforts to strengthen election system security, including improving access to federal cybersecurity assistance, calling the efforts an assault on states' rights.

After narrowly winning the 2018 gubernatorial election, Kemp resigned as secretary of state in anticipation of becoming governor.{{cite web |last1=Niesse |title=Georgia certifies election results, confirming Brian Kemp as governor |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/georgia-certifies-election-results-after-nearly-two-weeks-of-drama/874615998 |date=November 18, 2018 |access-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120095618/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/georgia-certifies-election-results-after-nearly-two-weeks-of-drama/874615998 |archive-date=November 20, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |title=Secretary kemp tenders resignation to governor deal |url=http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/general/secretary_kemp_tenders_resignation_to_governor_deal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224512/http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/general/secretary_kemp_tenders_resignation_to_governor_deal |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |df=mdy-all}}

As evidence mounted that Russian hackers were attempting to disrupt the 2016 elections, President Obama directed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to work with states to secure their voting systems as "critical infrastructure." Kemp was the only state election official to decline the help from Jeh Johnson.{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/07/18/mueller-indictments-georgia-voting-infrastructure-219018/|title=Was Georgia's Election System Hacked in 2016?|work=Politico Magazine|access-date=August 16, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816100515/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/07/18/mueller-indictments-georgia-voting-infrastructure-219018|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In a 2017 interview, he denounced the effort as an assault on states' rights, saying, "I think it was a politically calculated move by the previous administration" and "I don't necessarily believe" Russia had attempted to disrupt the elections.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/world/national-security/obama-putin-election-hacking/|title=Obama's secret struggle to punish Russia for Putin's election assault|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826032223/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/world/national-security/obama-putin-election-hacking/|archive-date=August 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/08/us/politics/us-formally-accuses-russia-of-stealing-dnc-emails.html|title=U.S. Says Russia Directed Hacks to Influence Elections|work=The New York Times |date=October 7, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816020623/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/08/us/politics/us-formally-accuses-russia-of-stealing-dnc-emails.html|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|last1=Sanger |first1=David E. |last2=Savage |first2=Charlie }} In August 2016, amid Russian attempts to disrupt the 2016 elections, Kemp said that an intrusion by Russian hackers into voting systems was "not probable at all, the way our systems are set up" and accused federal officials of exaggerating the threat of Russian interference.{{Cite news|url=https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-voting-system-safe-from-hackers/YyD4K2ATw9nCedmGhHvKbJ/|title=Is Georgia's voting system safe from hackers?|work=politics.myajc|access-date=August 16, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816194440/https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-voting-system-safe-from-hackers/YyD4K2ATw9nCedmGhHvKbJ/|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Georgia was one of 14 states that used electronic voting machines that produced no paper record, which election integrity experts say left elections vulnerable to tampering and technical problems.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/08/12/637163104/election-security-becomes-a-political-issue-in-georgia-governors-race|title=Election Security Becomes A Political Issue In Georgia Governor's Race|work=Weekend Edition Sunday|publisher=NPR|access-date=August 16, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815160348/https://www.npr.org/2018/08/12/637163104/election-security-becomes-a-political-issue-in-georgia-governors-race|archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The 2018 indictment against Russian hackers (as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into 2016 interference) said that the Russian hackers targeted county websites in Georgia.

In December 2016, Kemp accused the Department of Homeland Security of attempting to hack his office's computer network, including the voter registration database, implying that it was retribution for his previous refusal to work with DHS. A DHS inspector general investigation found there was no hacking, but rather it was "the result of normal and automatic computer message exchanges generated by the Microsoft applications involved."{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/339734-investigation-shows-dhs-did-not-hack-georgia-state-computers/|title=Investigation shows DHS did not hack Georgia computers|first=Joe|last=Uchill|date=June 27, 2017|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814035846/http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/339734-investigation-shows-dhs-did-not-hack-georgia-state-computers|archive-date=August 14, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

In October 2015, the Georgia Secretary of State's office, under Kemp's leadership, illegally disclosed the personal information (including Social Security numbers and dates of birth) of 6.2 million registered Georgia voters. This data breach occurred when the office sent out a CD with this information to 12 organizations that purchase monthly voter lists from the office. The office was not aware of the breach until the next month, and did not publicly acknowledge it until The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the class action lawsuit against the office that resulted.{{Cite news|url=https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-voters-get-credit-monitoring-massive-data-breach/ltp8wFqT9tabUDrI2bUmpM/|title=Georgia voters to get credit monitoring in massive data breach|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=December 11, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727024511/https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-voters-get-credit-monitoring-massive-data-breach/ltp8wFqT9tabUDrI2bUmpM/|archive-date=July 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Within a month of the breach becoming publicly known, it had cost taxpayers $1.2 million in credit monitoring services for those whose data had been compromised, and $395,000 for an audit into Kemp's handling of the unauthorized data disclosure.{{Cite news|url=https://politics.myajc.com/blog/politics/the-georgia-taxpayer-cost-for-brian-kemp-data-breach-starting-mount/YciXklHQIpCSicRMyJLT7J/|title=The Georgia taxpayer cost for Brian Kemp's data breach is starting to mount|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727024528/https://politics.myajc.com/blog/politics/the-georgia-taxpayer-cost-for-brian-kemp-data-breach-starting-mount/YciXklHQIpCSicRMyJLT7J/|archive-date=July 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Kemp drew criticism again in 2017 when it was revealed that a flaw in the state voting system exposed the personal information of over six million Georgia voters, as well as passwords used by county election officials to access voter files, to researchers at Kennesaw State University.{{cite web|last=Griffin|first=Curt Devine, Drew|date=2018-08-14|title=6 million Georgia voters' records exposed: 'Could have easily been compromised' {{!}} CNN Politics|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/14/politics/georgia-brian-kemp-voter-data/index.html|access-date=2021-12-05|website=CNN|language=en}} The security flaw was fixed six months after it was reported to election authorities.{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia/articles/2018-06-06/secretary-of-state-moves-to-review-voting-machines |title=Georgia Secretary of State Moves to Review Voting Machines |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045921/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia/articles/2018-06-06/secretary-of-state-moves-to-review-voting-machines |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web|url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/voting-in-georgias-runoff|title=Trump-backed Brian Kemp wins Georgia GOP governor runoff|first=Steve|last=Patrick|date=July 25, 2018|website=WJXT|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045912/https://www.news4jax.com/news/voting-in-georgias-runoff|archive-date=December 7, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} After a lawsuit was filed, a server at the center of the controversy was wiped, preventing officials from determining the scope of the breach.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/877ee1015f1c43f1965f63538b035d3f|title=Georgia election server wiped after suit filed|first=Frank|last=Bajak|date=October 27, 2017|work=Associated Press|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113111853/https://www.apnews.com/877ee1015f1c43f1965f63538b035d3f|archive-date=January 13, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Kemp denied responsibility, instead saying researchers at Kennesaw State University, who managed the system, had acted "in accordance with standard IT procedures" in deleting the data.{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/kemp-office-concludes-election-data-not-lost-server-wipe/KRXneAWbc5ck43B7aSKYnN/|title=Kemp's office concludes election data not lost in server wipe|first=James|last=Salzer|website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213002917/https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/kemp-office-concludes-election-data-not-lost-server-wipe/KRXneAWbc5ck43B7aSKYnN/|archive-date=December 13, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On September 5, 2018, an attack ad was released{{cite web |last=Bluestein |first=Greg |title=New TV attack claims Kemp failed to stop massage parlor 'abuser' |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/new-attack-claims-kemp-failed-stop-massage-parlor-abuser/SglIhAF1loZAEQcTY0fLLL/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235226/https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/new-attack-claims-kemp-failed-stop-massage-parlor-abuser/SglIhAF1loZAEQcTY0fLLL/ |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|df=mdy-all}} claiming that Kemp chose not to pursue accusations of sexual assault against therapists employed by Massage Envy during his time overseeing the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy because of donations made by franchisee owners to Kemp's campaign.{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Johnny |last2=Norder |first2=Lois |title=When massage therapists cross the line, state board rarely acts |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/when-massage-therapists-cross-the-line-state-board-rarely-acts/VvTyuBKHUnJYAt1Eu27XWM/ |access-date=March 13, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Kemp under fire for Massage Envy owner's donations |url=https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/kemp-under-fire-massage-envy-owners-donations/ |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=www.gainesvilletimes.com}} The offenders were able to renew their Board licenses after the accusations.{{cite web |date=July 19, 2018 |title=Kemp donor tangled in scandal |url=https://morgancountycitizen.com/2018/07/19/kemp-donor-tangled-in-scandal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116172727/https://morgancountycitizen.com/2018/07/19/kemp-donor-tangled-in-scandal/ |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=Morgan County Citizen |df=mdy-all}} Republican State Senator Renee Unterman said that there "appears to be a direct connection between campaign support from Massage Envy franchisees in exchange for non-action and suppression" and asked U.S. Attorney B.J. Pak to investigate "what seems to be a quid pro quo scheme being perpetrated through the secretary of state's office and the Kemp for governor campaign."{{cite web |last=McKee |first=Don |title=Massage therapists, campaign donations become issue in Kemp/Cagle race |url=https://www.mdjonline.com/elections/massage-therapists-campaign-donations-become-issue-in-kemp-cagle-race/article_43e3ce04-8c71-11e8-b739-0f99593521fc.html |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=MDJOnline.com|date=July 20, 2018 }} Kemp said that he had done nothing illegal.{{cite web |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg |last2=Hallerman |first2=Tamar |title=The jolt: Kemp now faces calls for criminal investigation |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/the-jolt-kemp-now-faces-calls-for-criminal-investigation/tuVpsKBSV49eM7xPccSmSO/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235115/https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/the-jolt-kemp-now-faces-calls-for-criminal-investigation/tuVpsKBSV49eM7xPccSmSO/ |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |df=mdy-all}}

In response to the accusations, a spokesperson for Kemp's campaign asserted that Unterman was "mentally unstable" and suggested she "seek immediate medical attention before she hurts herself or someone else". The Kemp campaign was criticized for its apparent reference to Unterman's history of depression, about which she had spoken publicly.{{cite web |title=With rising suicides among kids, is mental illness ever a joking matter? Even in politics? |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/with-rising-suicides-among-kids-mental-illness-ever-joking-matter-even-politics/SjxRbSIdYNgwGlpSUjS8bO/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123749/https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/with-rising-suicides-among-kids-mental-illness-ever-joking-matter-even-politics/SjxRbSIdYNgwGlpSUjS8bO/ |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |access-date=December 7, 2018 |work=ajc |df=mdy-all}}{{cite web |date=July 25, 2018 |title=GOP Senator Called 'Unstable' Wants Apology Before Backing Kemp {{!}} 90.1 FM WABE |url=https://www.wabe.org/gop-senator-called-unstable-wants-apology-before-backing-kemp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209165553/https://www.wabe.org/gop-senator-called-unstable-wants-apology-before-backing-kemp/ |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |access-date=December 7, 2018 |work=90.1 FM WABE |df=mdy-all}} In response, Unterman said she would not be "intimidated, blackmailed, belittled, or sexually harassed" into silence.{{Cite news |last1=Denery |first1=Jim |title=Capitol Recap: The path to the Georgia governor's office gets muddier |work=ajc |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/capitol-recap-the-path-the-georgia-governor-office-gets-muddier/HAGIGwdsJGHXFlFKWkq2FM/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124535/https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/capitol-recap-the-path-the-georgia-governor-office-gets-muddier/HAGIGwdsJGHXFlFKWkq2FM/ |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |df=mdy-all}} Kemp's campaign did not apologize for the remarks.

Kemp was accused by Democrats of voter suppression during the 2018 gubernatorial election.{{Cite news|title=Ga. election official off base on election interference|language=en|work=PolitiFact|url=https://www.politifact.com/georgia/statements/2016/oct/29/brian-kemp/ga-election-official-base-election-interference/|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012054212/https://www.politifact.com/georgia/statements/2016/oct/29/brian-kemp/ga-election-official-base-election-interference/|archive-date=October 12, 2018|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|title=Georgia secretary of state fighting accusations of disenfranchising minority voters|language=en|work=mcclatchydc|url=https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article106692837.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012053947/https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article106692837.html|archive-date=October 12, 2018|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=Brian Kemp's Lead in Georgia Needs an Asterisk|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/11/georgia-governor-kemp-abrams/575095/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108201603/https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/575095/|archive-date=November 8, 2018|access-date=November 9, 2018|website=The Atlantic|date=November 7, 2018 |language=en-US|df=mdy-all}} Political scientists Michael Bernhard and Daniel O'Neill described Kemp's actions as the worst case of voter suppression in that election year.{{Cite journal|last1=Bernhard|first1=Michael|last2=O'Neill|first2=Daniel|date=2019|title=Trump: Causes and Consequences|journal=Perspectives on Politics|language=en|volume=17|issue=2|pages=317–324|doi=10.1017/S1537592719000896|issn=1537-5927|doi-access=free}} The allegations arose from Kemp's actions as secretary of state: a few weeks before the election, he put 53,000 voter registration applications on hold, with 70% of the applicants being African American, and he purged 1.4 million inactive voters from voter rolls during his tenure, including 668,000 in 2017.{{Cite news|last=Herndon|first=Astead W.|date=2018-10-11|title=Complaints of Voter Suppression Loom Over Georgia Governor's Race|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/11/us/politics/georgia-voter-registration-kemp-abrams.html|access-date=2021-12-05|issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web|date=2021-04-20|title=Voting rights become a flashpoint in Georgia governor's race|url=https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-elections-voting-voting-rights-atlanta-fb011f39af3b40518b572c8cce6e906c|access-date=2021-12-05|website=AP News|language=en}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ella|title=Fact check: Post online about Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's 2018 win is partly false|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/11/18/fact-check-partly-false-claim-gov-brian-kemp-and-2018-election/6327447002/|access-date=2021-12-05|website=USA Today|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Niesse|first=Mark|title=Georgia cancels fewer voter registrations after surge last year|language=English|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/georgia-cancels-fewer-voter-registrations-after-surge-last-year/fqT1bcSzGu33UEpTMDzMVK/|access-date=2021-12-05|issn=1539-7459}} Kemp denied engaging in voter suppression, stating that he was following federal and state law to update voter rolls with accurate information.

As a result of the controversies surrounding the 2018 Georgia midterms, critics have called Kemp's gubernatorial victory illegitimate.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/19/opinion/georgia-election-legitimate-abrams.html|title=Opinion - Was Georgia's Election 'Legitimate'?|first=David|last=Leonhardt|newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 19, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212120351/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/19/opinion/georgia-election-legitimate-abrams.html|archive-date=December 12, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Glenn Kessler of The Washington Post noted such claims are "an article of faith among Democrats". Political scientists and news outlets have rejected these claims; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote, "no evidence emerged of systematic malfeasance – or of enough tainted votes to force a runoff election between Republican Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams".{{cite news | url=https://www.ajc.com/news/scattered-problems-emerge-georgia-voting/oQxJq2DOKu8o32pd0mvAxN/ | title=Did voting problems influence outcome in Georgia election? | newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | last1=Judd | first1=Alan }} Political scientist Charles S. Bullock III told The Washington Post that claims of a stolen election were "not based on fact but will continue to be articulated by Abrams since it helps mobilize her supporters", while Richard Hasen took issue with Kemp's job performance but said that he had seen "no good social science evidence that efforts to make it harder to register and vote were responsible for Kemp’s victory over Abrams in the Georgia gubernatorial race".{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/10/30/did-racially-motivated-voter-suppression-thwart-stacey-abrams/ |title=Did racially motivated voter suppression thwart Stacey Abrams? |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Glenn |last=Kessler |date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=2022-06-17}} A USA Today fact check noted that the actions Kemp's office took during the election "can be explained as routine under state and federal law".{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Ella |title=Fact check: Post online about Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's 2018 win is partly false |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/11/18/fact-check-partly-false-claim-gov-brian-kemp-and-2018-election/6327447002/ |website=USA TODAY |access-date=February 28, 2022 |date=November 18, 2020}} Hasen told PolitiFact, "I have seen no good evidence that the suppressive effects of strict voting and registration laws affected the outcome of the governor’s races in Georgia and Florida" and suggested Democrats "cool it" with claims the election was stolen.{{cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=Amy |title=PolitiFact - Kamala Harris says voter suppression kept Stacey Abrams, Andrew Gillum out of office. Really? |url=https://www.politifact.com/article/2019/may/10/fact-checking-kamala-harris-claim-stacey-abrams-an/ |website=PolitiFact |access-date=June 13, 2022 |date=May 10, 2019}}

Kemp introduced a controversial "exact match" policy during his first year as secretary of state in 2010.{{cite web| title = Georgia Knew Its Voter Roll Practice Was Discriminatory. It Stuck With It Anyway.| work= HuffPost| date = October 11, 2018| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/georgia-voter-suspensions_us_5bbeaef6e4b0c8fa1367f40a| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206162917/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/georgia-voter-suspensions_us_5bbeaef6e4b0c8fa1367f40a| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Under the system, eligible Georgians were dropped from voter rolls for an errant hyphen or if "a stray letter or a typographical error on someone's voter registration card didn't match the records of the state's driver's license bureau or the Social Security office."{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Carol|date=August 11, 2018|title=Brian Kemp, Enemy of Democracy|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/11/opinion/sunday/brian-kemp-enemy-of-democracy.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812132010/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/11/opinion/sunday/brian-kemp-enemy-of-democracy.html|archive-date=August 12, 2018|df=mdy-all}} In a 2010 explanation defending the practice to the Department of Justice, Kemp's office said the policy was "designed to assure the identity and eligibility of voters and to prevent fraudulent or erroneous registrations."{{cite news| title = Lawsuit: Georgia voter registration process violates the law|work=Associated Press|date=September 14, 2016 | access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://apnews.com/5dca86cf28114b23b94e4a3891da1d64| quote = "designed to assure the identity and eligibility of voters and to prevent fraudulent or erroneous registrations"| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124052/https://apnews.com/5dca86cf28114b23b94e4a3891da1d64| archive-date = December 9, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} The Department of Justice initially rejected the policy, but allowed it to go into effect with additional safeguards; a later lawsuit claimed "it is not apparent that the Secretary of State ever followed the safeguards." The process was halted after a lawsuit in 2016, but the state legislature passed a modified form of the policy in 2017 and the process began again.

Critics consider these types of "exact match" laws a form of voter suppression designed to disproportionately target minorities,{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/10/20/georgias-exact-match-law-could-disenfranchise-3031802-eligible-voters-my-research-finds/ |title=Georgia's 'exact match' law could potentially harm many eligible voters |newspaper=The Washington Post |url-access=registration |date=October 20, 2018|access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206130850/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/10/20/georgias-exact-match-law-could-disenfranchise-3031802-eligible-voters-my-research-finds/ |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} and African-American, Asian, and Latino voters accounted for 76.3% of the registrations dropped from voter rolls between July 2015 and July 2017.{{Cite news| title = How SCOTUS Helped Make Voter Registration Discrimination in Georgia OK| work= CityLab| date = October 15, 2018| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://www.citylab.com/equity/2018/10/how-dismantling-voting-rights-act-helped-georgia-discriminate-again/572899/| quote = 76.3 percent of which were for black, Asian, and Latino voters| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124617/https://www.citylab.com/equity/2018/10/how-dismantling-voting-rights-act-helped-georgia-discriminate-again/572899/| archive-date = December 9, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://rewire.news/article/2017/07/21/more-380000-georgia-voters-received-purge-notice/|title=More Than 380,000 Georgia Voters Receive 'Purge Notice'|website=Rewire|date=July 21, 2017 |language=en|access-date=August 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811222747/https://rewire.news/article/2017/07/21/more-380000-georgia-voters-received-purge-notice/|archive-date=August 11, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Critics say that minority names are more likely to contain hyphens and less common spellings that lead to clerical mistakes, resulting in rejection of the registration.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/lawsuit-exact-match-system-negatively-impacts-georgia-s-minority-voters-n648251|title=A new lawsuit claims thousands of Georgia voters could be disenfranchised|website=NBC News|date=September 14, 2016 |access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308124015/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/lawsuit-exact-match-system-negatively-impacts-georgia-s-minority-voters-n648251|archive-date=March 8, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In a 2018 ruling against Kemp, District Judge Eleanor L. Ross said the system places a "severe burden" on voters.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/03/663937578/judge-rules-against-georgia-election-law-calling-it-a-severe-burden-for-voters|title=Judge Rules Against Georgia Election Law, Calling It A 'Severe Burden' For Voters|website=NPR.org|date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112153318/https://www.npr.org/2018/11/03/663937578/judge-rules-against-georgia-election-law-calling-it-a-severe-burden-for-voters|archive-date=January 12, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all|last1=Sant |first1=Shannon Van }}

After changes to the Voting Rights Act in 2012 gave states with a history of voter suppression more autonomy,{{cite news| title = Supreme Court Invalidates Key Part of Voting Rights Act| work= The New York Times| date = June 25, 2013| access-date = December 6, 2018| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/supreme-court-ruling.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206021832/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/supreme-court-ruling.html| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Kemp's office oversaw the closing of 214 polling locations, 8% of the total in Georgia.{{Cite news | url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/voting-precincts-closed-across-georgia-since-election-oversight-lifted/bBkHxptlim0Gp9pKu7dfrN/ | title=Voting precincts closed across Georgia since election oversight lifted | newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | access-date=December 5, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001739/https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/voting-precincts-closed-across-georgia-since-election-oversight-lifted/bBkHxptlim0Gp9pKu7dfrN/ | archive-date=December 6, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all | last1=Niesse | first1=Mark | last2=Prabhu | first2=Maya T. | last3=Elias | first3=Jacquelyn }} The closings disproportionately affected African-American communities.{{cite web| title = Polling Places in Black Communities Continue to Close Ahead of November Elections| work= governing.com| date = September 5, 2018| access-date = December 6, 2018| url = http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/sl-polling-place-close-ahead-of-november-elections-black-voters.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235711/http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/sl-polling-place-close-ahead-of-november-elections-black-voters.html| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} A consultant recommended that seven of the nine county polling locations in majority-minority Randolph County be closed ahead of the 2018 midterm election for failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.{{cite news| title = Georgia County Rejects Plan to Close 7 Polling Places in Majority-Black Area| work= The New York Times| date = August 23, 2018| access-date = December 6, 2018| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/us/randolph-county-georgia-voting.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181209011824/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/us/randolph-county-georgia-voting.html| archive-date = December 9, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} After the American Civil Liberties Union challenged the plan, the locations were allowed to remain open.{{cite web| title = Randolph County Elections Board Won't Close Polling Places {{!}} Daily Report| work= Daily Report| access-date = December 6, 2018| url = https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2018/08/24/ga-county-elections-board-set-to-vote-on-poll-closures/?slreturn=20181106162545| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045811/https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2018/08/24/ga-county-elections-board-set-to-vote-on-poll-closures/?slreturn=20181106162545| archive-date = December 7, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Kemp denied knowledge of the plan, but a slide from a presentation given by the consultant read, "Consolidation has come highly recommended by the Secretary of State and is already being adopted by several counties and is being seriously considered and being worked on by many more."{{cite web | title = Kemp's critics question his ties to proposed poll closures in Randolph County | work= ajc | access-date = December 6, 2018 | url = https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-critics-question-his-ties-proposed-poll-closures-randolph-county/tGurovLQr6PV327cfTGavN/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181207104415/https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-critics-question-his-ties-proposed-poll-closures-randolph-county/tGurovLQr6PV327cfTGavN/ | archive-date = December 7, 2018 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} Officials claim the locations were closed as a cost-saving measure.

Georgia has removed registered voters from voter rolls for not voting in consecutive elections more aggressively than any other state.{{cite web| title = Georgia purged an estimated 107,000 people largely for not voting, an APM Reports investigation shows| work= apmreports.org| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://www.apmreports.org/story/2018/10/19/georgia-voter-purge| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206191608/https://www.apmreports.org/story/2018/10/19/georgia-voter-purge| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Between 2012 and 2018, Kemp's office canceled over 1.4 million voters' registrations, with nearly 700,000 cancellations in 2017 alone.{{cite news|url=https://www.wabe.org/voting-rights-become-a-flashpoint-in-georgia-governors-race|title=Voting Rights Become A Flashpoint In Georgia Governor's Race|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 9, 2018|date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010052232/https://www.wabe.org/voting-rights-become-a-flashpoint-in-georgia-governors-race/|archive-date=October 10, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/voting-rights-become-a-flashpoint-in-georgia-governors-race/2018/10/09/86b41c4e-cbd1-11e8-ad0a-0e01efba3cc1_story.html|title=Voting rights become a flashpoint in Georgia governor's race|newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012004954/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/voting-rights-become-a-flashpoint-in-georgia-governors-race/2018/10/09/86b41c4e-cbd1-11e8-ad0a-0e01efba3cc1_story.html|archive-date=October 12, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} On a single night in July 2017, half a million voters, about 8% of all registered Georgia voters, had their registrations canceled, an act The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said "may represent the largest mass disenfranchisement in US history."{{cite web| title = A Republican won the Georgia governor's race, but it was tainted by voter suppression| work=Mother Jones| date = November 16, 2018| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/11/brian-kemps-win-in-georgia-tainted-by-voter-suppression-stacey-abrams/| quote = may represent the largest mass disenfranchisement in US history| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206212652/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/11/brian-kemps-win-in-georgia-tainted-by-voter-suppression-stacey-abrams/| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Kemp oversaw the removals as secretary of state, and did so eight months after declaring his candidacy for governor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.apmreports.org/story/2018/10/19/georgia-voter-purge|title=Georgia purged an estimated 107,000 people largely for not voting, an APM Reports investigation shows|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019205850/https://www.apmreports.org/story/2018/10/19/georgia-voter-purge|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

By early October 2018, Kemp's office had put more than 53,000 voter registration applications on hold, with more than 75% belonging to minorities. The voters are eligible to re-register if they still live in Georgia and have not died.{{cite web| url=https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/georgia-election-was-fair-brian-kemp-beat-stacy-abrams/| title=The Georgia Smear| website=National Review| date=November 9, 2018| access-date=November 11, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110180640/https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/georgia-election-was-fair-brian-kemp-beat-stacy-abrams/| archive-date=November 10, 2018| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}} An investigative journalism group run by Greg Palast found that, of the approximately 534,000 Georgians whose voter registrations were purged between 2016 and 2017, more than 334,000 still lived where they were registered.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/19/georgia-governor-race-voter-suppression-brian-kemp|title=GOP candidate improperly purged 340,000 from Georgia voter rolls, investigation claims|last=Durkin|first=Erin|date=October 19, 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019193751/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/19/georgia-governor-race-voter-suppression-brian-kemp|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The voters were given no notice that they had been purged.{{cite web| title = Here's how Brian Kemp is stealing the Georgia election| last = Palast| first = Greg| work= Greg Palast| date = November 10, 2018| access-date = December 6, 2018| url = https://www.gregpalast.com/heres-how-brian-kemp-is-stealing-the-georgia-election/| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235416/https://www.gregpalast.com/heres-how-brian-kemp-is-stealing-the-georgia-election/| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Palast sued Kemp, claiming over 300,000 voters were purged illegally.{{cite web| title = We Sued Brian Kemp This Morning| last = Palast| first = Greg| work= Greg Palast| date = October 19, 2018| access-date = December 6, 2018| url = https://www.gregpalast.com/we-sued-brian-kemp-this-morning/| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235414/https://www.gregpalast.com/we-sued-brian-kemp-this-morning/| archive-date = December 6, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}} Kemp's office denied any wrongdoing, saying that by "regularly updating our rolls, we prevent fraud and ensure that all votes are cast by eligible Georgia voters."{{cite web| title = Georgia cancels registration of more than 591,500 voters| work= politics.myajc| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-cancels-registration-more-than-591-500-voters/ozSuX227UpNe18YGQ0hYUJ/| quote = "By regularly updating our rolls, we prevent fraud and ensure that all votes are cast by eligible Georgia voters."| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124314/https://politics.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-cancels-registration-more-than-591-500-voters/ozSuX227UpNe18YGQ0hYUJ/| archive-date = December 9, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}}

After Totenberg's ruling thousands of voting machines were sequestered by local election officials on Election Day in 2018, an action critics said was designed to increase wait times at polling locations.{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a24847675/geroge-election-voting-machines/|title=Brian Kemp's Election Ratf*cking 101: Lock Up the Voting Machines!|first=Charles P.|last=Pierce|date=November 8, 2018|website=Esquire|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125113554/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a24847675/geroge-election-voting-machines/|archive-date=November 25, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The sequestration of machines disproportionately affected counties that favored Kemp's opponent{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/why-did-some-voting-machines-sit-unused-busy-election-day/GEe491hw2FsEAKESx42TYM/|title=Why did some voting machines sit unused on busy Georgia Election Day?|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|last=Niesse|first=Mark|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116022046/https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/why-did-some-voting-machines-sit-unused-busy-election-day/GEe491hw2FsEAKESx42TYM/|archive-date=November 16, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} and caused voters in some locations to have to wait in line for hours in inclement weather.{{cite news | url=http://time.com/5446208/long-lines-problems-georgia-voters-midterms/ | title=Long Lines in Rainy Weather, Technical Problems Frustrate Voters in Georgia | access-date=December 5, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122011142/http://time.com/5446208/long-lines-problems-georgia-voters-midterms/ | archive-date=November 22, 2018 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}{{cite web| url=https://www.vox.com/2018/11/6/18068506/midterm-election-voting-lines-new-york-georgia| title=Why long lines at polling places are a voting rights issue| date=November 6, 2018| access-date=December 5, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001902/https://www.vox.com/2018/11/6/18068506/midterm-election-voting-lines-new-york-georgia| archive-date=December 6, 2018| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}} Other locations suffered delays because machines had been delivered without power cords.{{Cite magazine| title = Georgia Voting Machine Issues Heighten Scrutiny on Brian Kemp| magazine =Wired| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://www.wired.com/story/georgia-voting-machine-issues-heighten-scrutiny-brian-kemp/| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181127153437/https://www.wired.com/story/georgia-voting-machine-issues-heighten-scrutiny-brian-kemp/| archive-date = November 27, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all| last1 =Dreyfuss| first1 =Emily}} Kemp himself experienced technical problems attempting to vote in the election.{{cite news| title = Some Georgia polling hours extended as voters see long lines| agency=Associated Press| work= wrdw.com| access-date = December 7, 2018| url = https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/Some-Georgia-polling-hours-extended-as-voters-see-long-lines-499883871.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181107085915/https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/Some-Georgia-polling-hours-extended-as-voters-see-long-lines-499883871.html| archive-date = November 7, 2018| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}}

Kemp opposes automatic voter registration.{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/lewis-backed-bill-would-automatically-register-most-vote/ZocyiCFmWETCTvUMurvI9M/|title=Lewis-backed bill would automatically register most to vote|first=Daniel|last=Malloy|website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235316/https://www.ajc.com/news/lewis-backed-bill-would-automatically-register-most-vote/ZocyiCFmWETCTvUMurvI9M/|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In a leaked 2018 recording, he said that attempts to register all eligible voters "continues to concern us, especially if everybody uses and exercises their right to vote."{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/10/23/18014968/brian-kemp-stacey-abrams-georgia-voting-audio-rolling-stone|title=In leaked audio, Brian Kemp expresses "concern" over Georgians exercising their voting rights|first=P. R.|last=Lockhart|date=October 23, 2018|website=Vox|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235126/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/10/23/18014968/brian-kemp-stacey-abrams-georgia-voting-audio-rolling-stone|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In a separate 2018 recording made by a progressive group he said, "Democrats are working hard ... registering all these minority voters that are out there and others that are sitting on the sidelines. If they can do that, they can win these elections in November."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/31/a-threat-to-democracy-republicans-war-on-minority-voters|title=A threat to democracy: Republicans' war on minority voters|first=Carol|last=Anderson|newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 31, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2019|via=www.theguardian.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313212612/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/31/a-threat-to-democracy-republicans-war-on-minority-voters|archive-date=March 13, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/what-brian-kemp-really-said-about-democratic-voter-registration-efforts/gQEO53Zry1ifbLlOYtcsRI/|title=What Brian Kemp really said about Democratic voter registration efforts|first=Political Insider blog|last=Jim Galloway|website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=March 13, 2019}}

On November 4, 2018, 48 hours before his gubernatorial election, the secretary of state's office published the details of a zero day flaw in the state registration website,{{cite web|url=https://www.wabe.org/researcher-finds-georgia-voter-records-exposed-on-internet/|title=Researcher Finds Georgia Voter Records Exposed On Internet|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235421/https://www.wabe.org/researcher-finds-georgia-voter-records-exposed-on-internet/|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/04/politics/georgia-voter-registration-hacking-attempt-investigation/index.html|title=Kemp's office launches probe of Georgia Democratic Party ahead of historic election|author1=Gregory Krieg |author2=Kaylee Hartung |author3=Veronica Stracqualursi |author4=Joe Ruiz|website=CNN|date=November 4, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207000537/https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/04/politics/georgia-voter-registration-hacking-attempt-investigation/index.html|archive-date=December 7, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} accusing Democrats of attempted hacking for investigating the problem but providing no evidence.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/04/brian-kemps-office-orders-hacking-probe-georgia-democrats-eve-election-hes-competing/ |title=Brian Kemp's office orders 'hacking' probe of Georgia Democrats on eve of election he's competing in |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206202818/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/04/brian-kemps-office-orders-hacking-probe-georgia-democrats-eve-election-hes-competing/ |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} Critics have said the announcement was further evidence of voter suppression and gave hackers a window of opportunity during which voter registration records could be changed.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/09/how-brian-kemp-hacked-georgias-election/|title=How Brian Kemp hacked Georgia's election|last=violetblue|website=Engadget|date=November 9, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301085300/https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/09/how-brian-kemp-hacked-georgias-election/|archive-date=March 1, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In response to criticisms of the announcement, Kemp said, "I'm not worried about how it looks. I'm doing my job."{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/05/politics/kemp-georgia-vote/index.html|title=Kemp turns election worries into a weapon |author1=Gregory Krieg |author2=Donie O'Sullivan |author3=Kaylee Hartung|website=CNN|date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235048/https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/05/politics/kemp-georgia-vote/index.html|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In a ruling on the matter, Totenberg criticized Kemp for having "delayed in grappling with the heightened critical cybersecurity issues of our era posed [by] the state's dated, vulnerable voting system" and said the system "poses a concrete risk of alteration of ballot counts."{{cite web|url=https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2018/09/18/judge-finds-ga-elections-at-risk-of-hacking-declines-to-order-paper-ballots/|title=Judge Finds Ga. Elections at Risk of Hacking, Declines to Order Paper Ballots|first1=R. Robin McDonald|last1=September 18|first2=2018 at 09:11|last2=AM|website=Daily Report|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129055348/https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2018/09/18/judge-finds-ga-elections-at-risk-of-hacking-declines-to-order-paper-ballots/|archive-date=January 29, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In December 2018, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that Kemp made the hacking allegations without any evidence.{{cite web|url=https://www.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/how-brian-kemp-turned-warning-election-system-vulnerability-against-democrats/iLOkpHK3ea39t8Eh4PCGxM/|title=How Brian Kemp turned warning of election system vulnerability against Democrats|last=Judd|first=Alan|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|language=en|access-date=December 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220205006/https://www.myajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/how-brian-kemp-turned-warning-election-system-vulnerability-against-democrats/iLOkpHK3ea39t8Eh4PCGxM/|archive-date=December 20, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The Journal-Constitution wrote that Kemp might have made the unsubstantiated accusations against Democrats as a ploy and diversion to help him win the election; the "examination suggests Kemp and his aides used his elected office to protect his political campaign from a potentially devastating embarrassment. Their unsubstantiated claims came at a pivotal moment, as voters were making their final decisions in an election that had attracted intense national attention."

On December 4, 2018, U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings, the incoming chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, announced that he would like to call Kemp before Congress to testify about the fairness of his actions during the 2018 elections.{{Cite news |last1=Blumenthal |first1=Paul |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Elijah Cummings Wants Brian Kemp to Testify in Washington About Voter Suppression |newspaper=HuffPost |url=https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5c059a58e4b0cd916faeeeae}}{{cite web |date=December 4, 2018 |title=Congress to question Georgia Gov.-elect Brian Kemp about accusations of voter suppression |url=https://thegrio.com/2018/12/04/congress-to-question-brian-kemp-about-accusations-of-voter-suppression-and-purging-voter-rolls-during-georgia-governor-campaign/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205103407/https://thegrio.com/2018/12/04/congress-to-question-brian-kemp-about-accusations-of-voter-suppression-and-purging-voter-rolls-during-georgia-governor-campaign/ |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |df=mdy-all}}{{cite web |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Cummings: Kemp should testify about voter suppression allegations |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/419535-cummings-kemp-should-testify-about-voter-suppression-allegations/amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001709/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/419535-cummings-kemp-should-testify-about-voter-suppression-allegations?amp |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |df=mdy-all}} "I want to be able to bring people in, like the new governor-to-be of Georgia, to explain ... to us why is it fair for wanting to be secretary of state and be running [for governor]," Cummings said.{{cite web |title=Rep. Elijah Cummings Wants Georgia's Brian Kemp To Testify Before Congress About Voter Suppression Allegations |url=https://blavity.com/rep-elijah-cummings-wants-georgias-brian-kemp-to-testify-before-congress-about-voter-suppression-allegations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235103/https://blavity.com/rep-elijah-cummings-wants-georgias-brian-kemp-to-testify-before-congress-about-voter-suppression-allegations |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=blavity.com |df=mdy-all}}

On March 6, 2019, it was revealed that both Kemp and his successor as secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, were under investigation by the House Oversight and Reform Committee for alleged voter suppression in the 2018 elections. Cummings oversaw the investigation. Kemp was given until March 20, 2019, to comply with document requests or face a subpoena.{{cite news |last=Astor |first=Maggie |date=March 6, 2019 |title=Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Faces Investigation by House Panel |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/us/politics/governor-brian-kemp-voter-suppression.html |access-date=March 21, 2019}}

{{main|2018 Georgia gubernatorial election}}

[[File:2018 Georgia gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|thumb|right|250px|Final results by county in 2018:{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Brian Kemp}}|{{legend|#a80000|>90%}}|{{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}|{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}

}}

{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#7996e2|Stacey Abrams}}|||{{legend|#3933e5|80–90%}}|{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}|{{legend|#a5b0ff|40–50%}}

}}

]]

The primary elections were held on May 22, 2018, and a primary runoff was held on July 24, 2018, between Republican candidates Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle; Kemp prevailed. Incumbent Republican governor Nathan Deal was term-limited and thus could not seek a third consecutive term. Stacey Abrams won the Democratic primary with over 75% of the vote, allowing her to avoid a runoff.

During the general election campaign, Kemp provoked controversy with multiple ads, including one in which he posed with rifles and a shotgun that he jokingly pointed at a teenager who "wanted to date his daughter",{{Cite magazine |title=This Republican Politician Jokingly Threatens a Teen With a Gun in His New Campaign Ad |url=https://time.com/5262988/brian-kemp-campaign-ad-gun-teen/ |magazine=Time |language=en |access-date=2021-12-05}} and one in which he said his truck was for "rounding up criminal illegals".{{cite web |last=Cummings |first=William |title=Georgia gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp suggests truck is for rounding up 'illegals' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/05/10/brian-kemp-illegals-ad/600212002/ |access-date=2021-12-05 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}} The lack of proper gun safety in handling the shotgun in the "Jake" ad attracted criticism from the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence, which said the ad "delivers a message perpetuating domestic violence and misogyny while modeling egregiously unsafe behavior", and prompted criticism that the ad depicted irresponsible handling of guns.{{Cite news |author=Samantha Schmidt |date=May 2, 2018 |title=Georgia governor candidate aims gun at teen in campaign ad. 'Get over it,' he tells critics |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/05/02/georgia-governor-candidate-aims-gun-at-teenager-in-campaign-ad-get-over-it-he-tells-critics/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726090527/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/05/02/georgia-governor-candidate-aims-gun-at-teenager-in-campaign-ad-get-over-it-he-tells-critics/ |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news |date=May 1, 2018 |title=Georgia gubernatorial candidate takes heat for ad where he points shotgun toward teen |work=USA Today |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2018/05/01/georgia-gubernatorial-candidate-gun-ad/570475002/}} Kemp's supporters, by contrast, viewed the ad as a "lighthearted portrayal of a protective, gun-wielding Southern father vetting a potential suitor", and Kemp dismissed the criticism, telling critics, "Get over it."

In the November 7 general election, Kemp declared victory over Abrams. The next morning, he resigned as Secretary of State.{{cite web |title=Brian Kemp resigns as Georgia secretary of state |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/11/08/brian-kemp-resigns-georgia-secretary-state/1929921002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105151725/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/11/08/brian-kemp-resigns-georgia-secretary-state/1929921002/ |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |access-date=November 12, 2018 |website=USA Today}} On November 16, every county certified their votes with Kemp leading by roughly 55,000 votes.{{cite news |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg |title=Abrams ends run for governor against Kemp, but won't concede |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/kemp-holds-steady-lead-over-abrams-state-prepares-certify-vote/WI5zxjHjLNR2WbvcEBVYWL/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116102847/https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/kemp-holds-steady-lead-over-abrams-state-prepares-certify-vote/WI5zxjHjLNR2WbvcEBVYWL/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018}} Shortly after the certification, Abrams suspended her campaign; she accepted Kemp as the legal winner of the election while refusing to say that the election was legitimate.{{cite web |author=AP |date=November 16, 2018 |title=The Latest: Abrams says she will sue over Georgia election |url=https://apnews.com/7825dfd60aa546eda31ed26d41646a15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105151923/https://apnews.com/7825dfd60aa546eda31ed26d41646a15 |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=AP News}}{{cite news |last1=Krieg |first1=Gregory |title=Stacey Abrams acknowledges Brian Kemp win in Georgia governor's race |website=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/16/politics/stacey-abrams-concession/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207121939/https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/16/politics/stacey-abrams-concession/index.html |archive-date=February 7, 2019}} Abrams has since claimed numerous{{cite book |last1=Hasen |first1=Richard L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uezJDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA116 |title=Election Meltdown: Dirty Tricks, Distrust, and the Threat to American Democracy |date=2020 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-24819-7 |page=116 |author1-link=Richard L. Hasen}} instances of election activity that allegedly unfairly affected the results. Following the election, Abrams and her organization Fair Fight filed several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality and Voting Rights Act compliance of Georgia's voting laws, some of which are still pending.{{cite news |last=Brumback |first=Kate |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Election lawsuit backed by Stacey Abrams goes to trial in Georgia |publisher=PBS |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/election-lawsuit-backed-by-stacey-abrams-goes-to-trial-in-georgia}}

Kemp prevailed by 54,723 votes, defeating Abrams 50.2–48.8%. The 2018 gubernatorial election was the closest governor's race in Georgia since 1966.{{Cite news |last1=Blinder |first1=Alan |last2=Fausset |first2=Richard |date=2018-11-16 |title=Stacey Abrams Ends Fight for Georgia Governor With Harsh Words for Her Rival |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/us/elections/georgia-governor-race-kemp-abrams.html |url-status=live |access-date=2019-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105151643/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/us/elections/georgia-governor-race-kemp-abrams.html |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}

{{main|2022 Georgia gubernatorial election}}

[[File:2022 Georgia gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|thumb|right|250px|Final results by county in 2022:{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Brian Kemp}}|{{legend|#a80000|>90%}}|{{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}|{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}

}}

{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#7996e2|Stacey Abrams}}|||{{legend|#3933e5|80–90%}}|{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}

}}

]]

During the primary election, Kemp was endorsed by former Vice President Mike Pence. He faced a primary challenge from former U.S. Senator David Perdue, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump after Kemp refused to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.{{cite web |last1=Warren |first1=Michael |date=December 6, 2021 |title=David Perdue officially announces run for governor in Georgia, setting up primary challenge to Brian Kemp |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/06/politics/david-perdue-georgia-governor-announcement/index.html |access-date=December 6, 2021 |website=CNN}} Kemp defeated Perdue in the primary, 73.7% to 21.8%. Trump endorsed Kemp in the general election.{{cite news |title=Elections 2022 Updates: Candidates Make Final Push Before Midterms|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/blog/midterm-elections-live-updates-rcna55755|access-date=November 7, 2022 |work=NBC News |date=November 7, 2022}}

Abrams was once again the Democratic nominee. This was Georgia's first gubernatorial rematch since 1950.{{cite news |last=Bluestein |first=Greg |date=December 1, 2021 |title=Stacey Abrams is running for Georgia governor in 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/breaking-stacey-abrams-is-running-for-georgia-governor-in-2022/VRUXXJSQWBBAXAZQZV72FLP4LM/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201202602/https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/breaking-stacey-abrams-is-running-for-georgia-governor-in-2022/VRUXXJSQWBBAXAZQZV72FLP4LM/ |archive-date=December 1, 2021}}

In the general election, Kemp won reelection to a second term, defeating Abrams by 7.5%. Abrams conceded on election night.{{cite news |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Brian Kemp wins second term as Georgia's governor |work=WSB-TV |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/abrams-concedes-leading-kemp-second-term-georgia-governor/ZELCJLNR4RARRL4DPOO3DBGIRU/ |access-date=November 9, 2022}} He was sworn in for a second term on January 12, 2023.

File:Georgia’s 83rd Gov. (32873161328).jpg as Georgia's 83rd governor]]

File:Inspection of the Troops 190126-Z-FQ805-101.jpg

Kemp was inaugurated as governor in a public ceremony in Atlanta on January 14, 2019.Greg Bluestein, [https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/kemp-takes-office-with-vow-georgia-will-become-state-united/nvdZobgagRFowM7ufVR9qI/ Kemp takes office with a vow: Georgia will become a 'state united'], Atlanta Journal-Constitution (January 15, 2019). He was inaugurated for his second term on January 9, 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-12 |title=Kemp begins second Georgia term with new pay raise pledge |url=https://apnews.com/article/brian-p-kemp-stacey-abrams-politics-georgia-covid-c9a87c3eee4fb734876fd39a30f2977b |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=AP News |language=en}} As governor, Kemp has been called "staunchly" conservative, signing strict anti-abortion laws, expanding gun rights, and overhauling election rules after Trump's 2020 defeat.{{Cite news |last=Bluestein |first=Greg |title=Why Brian Kemp said no to a U.S. Senate bid in Georgia |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/why-georgia-governor-said-no-to-a-us-senate-bid/2Y4A27TL3JEO7AO5GR7IY43CGM/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}}

In May 2019, Kemp signed into law a highly controversial bill that would prohibit abortions after a heartbeat can be detected in a fetus, which is usually when a woman is six weeks pregnant; the legislation was one of the country's strictest anti-abortion laws.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/georgia-governor-signs-heartbeat-bill-giving-the-state-one-of-the-most-restrictive-abortion-laws-in-the-nation/2019/05/07/d53b2f8a-70cf-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html|title=Georgia governor signs 'heartbeat bill,' giving the state one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation|author1=Emily Wax-Thibodeaux |author2=Ariana Eunjung Cha |date=May 7, 2019}} The legislation was blocked by federal courts, which ruled it unconstitutional: a preliminary injunction entered in October 2019 blocked the legislation from going into effect,Samantha Schmidt, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2019/10/01/federal-judge-blocks-georgia-abortion-ban-taking-effect/ Federal judge blocks Georgia abortion ban from taking effect], The Washington Post (October 1, 2019). and a permanent injunction entered in July 2020 permanently voided the law.Jeff Amy, [https://apnews.com/6bdf1fc85ade3abaf1ac10eb94d60c29 Federal judge voids Georgia 'heartbeat' abortion restriction], Associated Press (July 13, 2020). This injunction was later overturned with the 2022 Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Kemp has also publicly stated his support for a "statewide ban on the destruction of embryos".

The abortion ban has vague and conflicting exceptions that ostensibly protect the life of the mother.{{Cite web |last=Surana |first=Kavitha |date=2024-09-16 |title=Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother's Death Was Preventable. |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/georgia-abortion-ban-amber-thurman-death |website=ProPublica |language=en}} According to Kemp, the law keeps women "safe, healthy and informed". In practice, the exceptions are so vague and contradictory that physicians are reluctant to provide abortions even when the mother's life is at imminent risk. By 2024, at least two women had died in Georgia after they were unable to access legal abortions and timely medical care.

In April 2019, Kemp signed legislation into law addressing some criticisms that arose from the contested 2018 election; the new law provides that polling places cannot be changed 60 days before an election, that county election officials cannot reject absentee ballots because of mismatched signatures, and that a voter whose voter registration application information does not match other government databases will not be removed from the voter rolls for this reason.{{cite news |title=Georgia Governor Signs Law Addressing Some Criticisms of Contested 2018 Election |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/04/04/709911541/georgia-governor-signs-law-addressing-some-criticisms-of-contested-2018-election |access-date=January 7, 2020 |work=NPR |date=April 4, 2019}}

In March 2021, Kemp signed SB 202, which expanded early in-person voting, enacted ID requirements for absentee voting, gave the legislature power to overrule or replace local election officials, and banned anyone other than election workers from providing food or water to voters waiting in line.

In May 2024, Kemp signed three election bills into law.{{cite web | last=Niesse | first=Mark | title=Georgia voter challenge and election security bills signed into law | website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=May 7, 2024 | url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/gov-kemp-signs-new-voter-challenge-and-election-security-laws/5D7L7RBZKRFR7MWNPVU6ZMVNCI/ | access-date=May 9, 2024}}

Kemp visited Swainsboro in September 2019 to announce the creation of a rural "strike team" focusing on economic development in rural areas of the state.{{cite news |title=Gov. Brian Kemp visits Swainsboro to announce rural strike team |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2019/09/13/gov-brian-kemp-visits-swainsboro-announce-rural-strike-team/ |access-date=January 7, 2020 |work=WTOC-TV |date=September 12, 2019}}

Kemp has called the Trump administration's tariffs on China a "good move", saying that China is "a big trading partner" but has "been ripping us off in a lot of different ways". China is Georgia’s third-biggest trading partner, in goods ranging from aerospace parts to poultry.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Gov. Kemp says he supports tariffs on China after ‘ripping us off in a lot of different ways’ |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/gov-kemp-says-he-supports-tariffs-china-after-ripping-us-off-lot-different-ways/YDJGZOV7SFE2NDGDST4VNIT6PA/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta |language=en}}

Kemp has supported efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act,{{Cite news |author=Tony Pugh |date=July 19, 2018 |title=Will Southern voters be swayed by Democrats' health care attacks on GOP? |work=McClatchydc |url=https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article215012175.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816194408/https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article215012175.html |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |df=mdy-all}} as well as efforts to hinder the functioning of the Affordable Care Act for Georgia residents.{{cite web|date=2021-07-10|title=Georgia pushes back on reevaluation of health plan|url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-georgia-health-care-reform-501083c37f3b50a530595c1ca96bd87d|access-date=2021-12-26|website=AP News|language=en}} Kemp and Republicans in the Georgia legislature have opposed full Medicaid expansion.{{cite web|last=Bunch|first=Riley|title=State Tangles With Feds In Medicaid Showdown|url=https://www.gpb.org/news/2021/06/29/state-tangles-feds-in-medicaid-showdown|access-date=2021-12-26|website=Georgia Public Broadcasting|date=June 29, 2021 |language=en}} Kemp has sought to introduce work requirements for Medicaid recipients.{{Cite news|last=Cameron|first=Chris|date=2021-12-24|title=Biden Administration Rejects Medicaid Work Requirements in Georgia|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/23/us/politics/medicaid-work-requirements-georgia-biden.html|access-date=2021-12-26|issn=0362-4331}}

After Johnny Isakson announced that he would resign from the U.S. Senate on December 31, 2019, Kemp appointed businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to complete Isakson's term on December 4.{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/breaking-kemp-taps-kelly-loeffler-financial-exec-senate-seat/cKraGpntwpFivAz0kYPFkL/|title=Kemp taps Kelly Loeffler, financial exec, to US Senate seat |first=Greg|last=Bluestein|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2020}} Loeffler was sworn into office on January 6, 2020, but lost the seat to Democrat Raphael Warnock in the special election held for it.

Kemp appointed Carla Wong McMillian to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court of Georgia caused by the retirement of Robert Benham.{{cite news|author=Katheryn Tucker|url=https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2020/04/06/is-the-pandemic-overshadowing-historic-judicial-appointments/|title=Is the Pandemic Overshadowing Historic Judicial Appointments?|date=April 6, 2020|publisher=ALM}}{{cite news|author=Bill Rankin|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local/kemp-appoints-mcmillan-georgia-supreme-court/jzOqqOxk2cRqdfZqRDvyjP/|title=Kemp appoints first Asian-American woman to Georgia Supreme Court|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=March 27, 2020}}

Despite a regular election to the Supreme Court of Georgia being scheduled for November 2020, Kemp canceled the election when Judge Keith R. Blackwell announced he would retire between the scheduled election and the end of his term.{{cite web|last=Millhiser|first=Ian|date=May 19, 2020|title=Georgia Republicans cancel election for state Supreme Court, so governor can appoint a Republican|url=https://www.vox.com/2020/5/19/21262376/georgia-republicans-cancel-election-state-supreme-court-barrow-kemp-blackwell|website=Vox}}{{cite news|author=Chris Cillizza|title=How Georgia Republicans canceled an election to get what they wanted|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/20/politics/brian-kemp-georgia-state-supreme-court/index.html|date=May 20, 2020|publisher=CNN}}

{{further|COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia (U.S. state)}}

On April 1, 2020, Kemp announced a statewide stay-at-home order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Aaron |title=Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who resisted strict coronavirus measures, says he just learned it transmits asymptomatically |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/04/02/georgia-gov-brian-kemp-who-resisted-strict-coronavirus-measures-says-he-just-learned-it-transmitted-asymptomatically/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 2, 2020}} He was among the last governors to issue a stay-at-home order,{{cite news|author=Eric Bradner|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/21/politics/georgia-governor-coronavirus-backlash/index.html|date=April 21, 2020|title=Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp faces resistance over move to reopen economy}} as a national emergency was declared three weeks earlier, on March 13.{{cite news|author=Kevin Liptak|title=Trump declares national emergency -- and denies responsibility for coronavirus testing failures|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/politics/donald-trump-emergency/index.html|access-date=2021-01-06|website=CNN|date=March 13, 2020 }} As he issued the order, Kemp said he had become aware the coronavirus could be spread by asymptomatic people only that day, despite warnings from health officials made months earlier.{{cite news |last1=Budryk |first1=Zack |title=Georgia governor says he didn't know asymptomatic people could spread coronavirus |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/490758-georgia-governor-says-he-didnt-know-asymptomatic-people-could-spread/ |work=The Hill |date=2 April 2020 |language=en}} At the end of April, Kemp lifted the stay-at-home order over the opposition of mayors and against the advice of public health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While many other states were implementing face mask mandates, Kemp prohibited localities from implementing stricter public health measures than the state.{{cite web|last=Hauck|first=Grace|title=Late to shut down, first to reopen, Georgia reports its highest daily death toll|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/08/13/georgia-coronavirus-pandemic-school-highest-daily-deaths/3347071001/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=USA Today|language=en-US}} In response, localities filed lawsuits against Kemp. In July, Kemp prohibited Georgia cities and counties from requiring face masks to halt the virus's spread. At the time, coronavirus cases were surging in many states, and other states were implementing statewide mask mandates.{{cite web|title=Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp explicitly voids local mask mandates, as other states order face coverings to fight pandemic|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/georgia-gov-brian-kemp-explicitly-voids-local-mask-71810627|access-date=2020-07-16|work=ABC News|language=en}} By mid-July 2020, more than 127,000 COVID-19 cases had been reported in Georgia, with 3,000 deaths.Wayne Drash, [https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/07/16/891997539/georgia-hospital-worker-sounds-alarm-i-have-never-ever-seen-anything-like-this Georgia Hospital Worker Sounds Alarm: 'I Have Never Ever Seen Anything Like This'], NPR (July 16, 2020).

In March 2021, Kemp expressed opposition to a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress.{{Cite news|last1=Bluestein|first1=Greg|last2=Journal-Constitution|first2=The Atlanta|title=Squeezed from both sides, Kemp tests 2022 reelection appeal|url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/squeezed-from-both-sides-kemp-tests-2022-reelection-appeal/F35SUFGYEZFBFMX3GUSP5QJWRI/|access-date=2021-03-05|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|language=English}}

File:Brian Kemp Jerusalem 2023.jpg

In an April 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) poll, Kemp had a 46 percent job approval rating among Georgians.Greg Bluestein, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-new-ajc-poll-k/133103671/New AJC poll: Kemp's job rating rises], The Atlanta Constitution (April 12, 2019). In July of that year, another poll showed that Kemp's ratings had risen to 52 percent approving, making him the 22nd-most popular governor in the country.{{cite news |title=The Jolt: Among 50 governors, Brian Kemp ranks No. 22 in popularity, new poll shows |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/the-jolt-among-governors-brian-kemp-ranks-popularity-new-poll-shows/dIZbr0aZHSgvDvhg3G1XHJ/ |access-date=7 January 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=18 July 2019}} A May 2020 Ipsos poll showed that Kemp's job approval rating had declined to 39 percent among Georgians, making him among the nation's least popular governors; his low popularity was attributed to his handling of the coronavirus crisis.Aaron Blake, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/05/19/49-50-governors-have-better-coronavirus-numbers-than-trump/ 49 of 50 governors have better coronavirus poll numbers than Trump], The Washington Post (May 19, 2020).Scott Clement & Dan Balz, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/many-governors-win-bipartisan-support-for-handling-of-pandemic-but-some-republicans-face-blowback-over-reopening-efforts/2020/05/11/8e98500e-93d2-11ea-9f5e-56d8239bf9ad_story.html Many governors win bipartisan support for handling of pandemic, but some Republicans face blowback over reopening efforts], The Washington Post (May 12, 2020). In November 2020, Kemp's approval rating fell to 37 percent, according to an IAG/Fox 5 poll.{{cite web|last=|first1=|date=|title=IAG/Fox 5 Poll: Senate Races locked up, Kemp approval sags|url=https://insideradvantage.com/2020/11/17/iagfox-5-poll-senate-races-locked-up-kemp-approval-sags/|access-date=18 November 2020|website=Insider Advantage|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118161514/https://insideradvantage.com/2020/11/17/iagfox-5-poll-senate-races-locked-up-kemp-approval-sags/|url-status=dead}}

In January 2021, an AJC poll showed his approval rating had rebounded to 43 percent,{{cite web|title=Voters show little enthusiasm for GOP, Trump |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-voters-show-lit/133104681/ |date=January 31, 2021|website=The Atlanta Constitution}} and by May it was up to 45 percent.{{cite news | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/551940-georgia-governors-job-approval-rating-ticks-up-to-45-percent-poll/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505172208/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/551940-georgia-governors-job-approval-rating-ticks-up-to-45-percent-poll | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 5, 2021 | first=Max | last=Greenwood | title=Georgia governor's job approval rating ticks up to 45 percent: poll | work=The Hill | date=May 5, 2021 | access-date=July 15, 2022}} In April 2022, his approval rating had reached 50 percent, according to a Morning Consult poll.{{cite web | url=https://morningconsult.com/2022/04/28/governor-approval-ratings-2022-election/ | first=Eli | last=Yokley | title=Most Governors Up for Re-Election in November Are Popular | website=Morning Consult | date=April 28, 2022 | access-date=July 15, 2022}} In October 2022, one month before the 2022 gubernatorial election, Kemp's approval rating among Georgians stood at 54 percent.{{cite web|last=Bluestein |first=Greg |title=Warnock, Walker race remains close |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-warnock-walker/133104876/ |date=October 12, 2022 |website=The Atlanta Constitution}} At the beginning of his second term in 2023, his approval rating surged to 62 percent, according to an AJC poll; it peaked at 64 percent the following year.{{cite web | url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/ajc-poll-as-kemp-prepares-for-state-of-the-state-hes-never-been-stronger/JMQA7TTAQBGBFO5AONZBIVQNFA/ | first=Greg | last=Bluestein | title=AJC poll: As Kemp readies State of the State address, he's never been stronger | website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=January 25, 2023 | access-date=May 20, 2023}}{{cite web | url=https://georgiarecorder.com/2023/01/25/kemp-pushes-to-get-tough-on-crime-add-more-worker-housing-in-2023-state-of-the-state-speech/ | first1=Ross | last1=Williams |first2=Stanley |last2=Dunlap | title=Kemp pushes to get tough on crime, add more worker housing in 2023 State of the State speech | website=Georgiarecorder.com | date=January 25, 2023 | access-date=May 20, 2023}}

In a November 2020 Fox News interview, Donald Trump said he was "ashamed" of having supported Kemp's 2018 gubernatorial campaign. Trump added that Kemp had "done absolutely nothing" to challenge the result of the 2020 election in Georgia, in which Joe Biden defeated Trump by 11,779 votes, the first time since 1992 that Georgia voted for the Democratic nominee for president.{{cite web|title=Trump 'ashamed' to have endorsed Republican Georgia governor|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-ashamed-endorsed-republican-georgia-governor-74451193|access-date=2020-11-30|website=ABC News|language=en}} Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan put out a joint statement explaining that calling a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly to appoint their own electors to send to the United States Electoral College would be unconstitutional.{{cite web|url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/elections/kemp-duncan-statement-special-session-calls/85-ebb26992-e681-4ccf-92bf-556c85b4f5d7|title=Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Duncan say no to special session over election, explain why|website=11Alive.com|date=December 7, 2020 }}

In December 2020, Trump called for Kemp's resignation.{{cite news |url= https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/532069-trump-calls-on-georgia-gov-kemp-to-resign/ |title=Trump calls on Georgia Gov. Kemp to resign|work=The Hill|first=Max|last=Greenwood |date=December 30, 2020|access-date=January 4, 2021}} The same month, attorney Lin Wood, acting separately from the Trump campaign, called for both Kemp's and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's imprisonment.{{cite web|last=Kephart|first=Tim|date=December 15, 2020|title=Trump retweets Lin Wood's message Kemp/Raffensperger are going to jail|url=https://www.cbs46.com/news/trump-retweets-lin-woods-message-kemp-raffensperger-are-going-to-jail/article_e8c27374-3ee6-11eb-95d1-b7814108db6f.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=CBS46 News Atlanta|archive-date=March 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306165726/https://www.cbs46.com/news/trump-retweets-lin-woods-message-kemp-raffensperger-are-going-to-jail/article_e8c27374-3ee6-11eb-95d1-b7814108db6f.html|url-status=dead}}

In January 2021, Trump criticized Kemp for certifying Georgia's results. This resulted in speculation that he would face a Trump-backed primary challenger in 2022.{{cite web |last=Solender |first=Andrew |title=Trump Encourages Primary Challenge Against Georgia's Pro-Trump Governor |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewsolender/2020/12/05/trump-encourages-primary-challenge-against-georgias-pro-trump-governor-kemp/ |access-date=2021-01-27 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

In March 2021, Kemp said he would support Trump if he ran for president again in 2024.

In September 2021, Trump implied at a rally in Perry, Georgia, that he would like Kemp's 2018 Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams to replace him,{{cite web|last=Castronuovo|first=Celine|date=2021-09-25|title=Trump says Stacey Abrams 'might be better than existing governor' Kemp|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/573958-trump-quips-abrams-wouldve-been-a-better-governor-than-kemp/|access-date=2021-10-03|website=The Hill|language=en}} saying, "Stacey, would you like to take his place? It's okay with me."{{cite news|title=Trump intensifies war with Georgia GOP leaders at Perry rally|url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/a-pro-trump-georgia-ticket-makes-its-debut-at-perry-rally/BX77TUHQDFGXLJQOWAKOFNX274/|access-date=2021-10-03|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|language=English |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg }} In December 2021, David Perdue announced his candidacy for governor, with Trump's endorsement.{{cite news |last=Warren |first=Michael |date=6 December 2021 |title=David Perdue officially announces run for governor in Georgia, setting up primary challenge to Brian Kemp |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/06/politics/david-perdue-georgia-governor-announcement/index.html |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=CNN}} In May 2022, Kemp announced he had the support of former Vice President Mike Pence.{{cite web |date=2022-05-13 |title=Mike Pence Breaks With Trump, Will Campaign With Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mike-pence-rally-brian-kemp-breaks-trump_n_627e7f99e4b010453ae5249b |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}

In March 2024, Kemp endorsed Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.{{Cite news |last=Bluestein |first=Greg |title=Kemp backs Trump: 'He'd be better than Joe Biden.' |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/kemp-votes-for-trump-hed-be-better-than-joe-biden/2HOWX5XPFVBT7FHYI6YKHCU7KA/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}} In June, he said he did not vote for Trump in the state's primary (Trump was the only active candidate), but made clear he would support him in November and work to elect him.{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Rashard |date=2024-06-27 |title=Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp didn't vote for Trump in the state's Republican primary |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/26/politics/kemp-trump-georgia-vote/index.html |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=CNN |language=en}} In July, Kemp traveled to Wisconsin for the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of Trump's platform for the Republican party, "it doesn't really matter what we think".{{cite news |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg |title=What Brian Kemp's olive branch says about Donald Trump's Republican Party |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/what-brian-kemps-olive-branch-says-about-donald-trumps-gop/BWV7Y2B5VFHRTGODM7SFEG77U4/ |date=July 16, 2024}}

In August, at an Atlanta rally, Trump criticized Kemp and his wife for 10 minutes, saying "he is a bad guy. He’s a disloyal guy. And he’s a very average governor...little Brian, little Brian Kemp". In response Kemp asked Trump on social media to cease "engaging in petty personal insults" and to "leave my family out of it".{{Cite web |last=Mock |first=Eric |date=2024-08-04 |title=Trump-Kemp feud bubbles over at Atlanta rally |url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/trump-kemp-feud-bubbles-over-atlanta-rally |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=FOX 5 Atlanta |language=en-US}}

Apart from an event focused on the damage from Hurricane Helene, Kemp and Trump did not appear or campaign together in the 2024 US elections.{{Cite web |title=Trump, Georgia Gov. Kemp make rare appearance together to survey Hurricane Helene damage |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-georgia-gov-kemp-survey-hurricane-helene-damage/story?id=114498650 |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=ABC News |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Gringlas |first=Sam |date=October 29, 2024 |title=In a razor-thin race, Trump's complicated ties with Georgia's governor could matter |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/28/nx-s1-5168017/2024-election-georgia-donald-trump-brian-kemp |access-date=November 3, 2024 |work=NPR}}

In 2024, Kemp joined five other Republican governors (Kay Ivey, Tate Reeves, Henry McMaster, Bill Lee, and Greg Abbott) in a statement opposing the United Auto Workers unionization campaign.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-16 |title=Governor Ivey & Other Southern Governors Issue Joint Statement in Opposition to United Auto Workers (UAW)’s Unionization Campaign |url=https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2024/04/governor-ivey-other-southern-governors-issue-joint-statement-in-opposition-to-united-auto-workers-uaws-unionization-campaign/ |access-date= |website=Office of the Governor of Alabama |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Wayland |first=Michael |date=2024-04-16 |title=Republican governors from six states condemn UAW campaigns, citing potential for layoffs |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/republican-governors-condemn-united-auto-workers-campaigns.html |access-date= |website=CNBC |language=en}}

Kemp married Marty Argo, daughter of longtime Georgia House of Representatives member Bob Argo,{{cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local-obituaries/robert-bob-argo-lawmaker-was-all-georgian-all-the-time/u1CoI3KQCQOoeSNWtFkiLK/|title=Robert 'Bob' Argo, 92: Lawmaker was 'all Georgian, all the time'|publisher=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=July 13, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615191045/https://www.ajc.com/news/local-obituaries/robert-bob-argo-lawmaker-was-all-georgian-all-the-time/u1CoI3KQCQOoeSNWtFkiLK/|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} on January 8, 1994;[https://www.facebook.com/BrianKempGA/posts/10157038331291275 Brian Kemp Official Facebook] (January 8, 2020). Retrieved September 21, 2020. they have three daughters. The family belongs to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens.{{cite web |url=https://gba.georgia.gov/brian-p-kemp |title=Brian P. Kemp |publisher=Office of the Secretary of State of Georgia |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305144526/https://gba.georgia.gov/brian-p-kemp |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

In May 2018, Kemp was sued for failure to repay $500,000 in business loans.{{cite web | url=https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/local/lawsuit-pending-in-gwinnett-against-brian-kemp-agriculture-business-over/article_b9b021c1-df6b-5ed9-9a90-ad4c12395b61.html | title=Lawsuit pending in Gwinnett against Brian Kemp, agriculture business over loan | date=May 4, 2018 | access-date=December 5, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505093916/http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/local/lawsuit-pending-in-gwinnett-against-brian-kemp-agriculture-business-over/article_b9b021c1-df6b-5ed9-9a90-ad4c12395b61.html | archive-date=May 5, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} The suit was related to his having personally guaranteed $10 million in business loans to Hart AgStrong, a Kentucky-based canola crushing company.{{cite news | url=https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2017/03/24/kentucky-canola-crusher-struggling | title=Kentucky Canola Crusher Struggling to Cover Payment on Last Year's Crop | newspaper=DTN Progressive Farmer | access-date=December 5, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001745/https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2017/03/24/kentucky-canola-crusher-struggling | archive-date=December 6, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} The company was under investigation after making guarantees using assets it did not own and repaying suppliers using proceeds from insurance settlements.{{cite web | url=https://www.wral.com/at-company-brian-kemp-backed-unpaid-debt-and-possible-felony-/17893316/ | title=At company Brian Kemp backed, unpaid debt and possible 'felony' | date=October 4, 2018}} An attorney for the Georgia Department of Agriculture said these actions "may be a felony under Georgia law."{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/company-brian-kemp-backed-unpaid-debt-and-possible-felony/Qnsv6yxXrlDuKL8XlNxCxI/|title=At company Brian Kemp backed, unpaid debt and possible 'felony'|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|author=Alan Judd|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203100244/https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/company-brian-kemp-backed-unpaid-debt-and-possible-felony/Qnsv6yxXrlDuKL8XlNxCxI/|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} No charges were filed, and Kemp and the plaintiff reached a settlement shortly before he became governor.{{cite web |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg |title=Brian Kemp settles lawsuit over bad loan in company he backed |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/brian-kemp-settles-lawsuit-over-bad-loan-company-backed/DXdnOKdhAfAmQOTYh9GFzM/ |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=11 June 2020 |language=en |date=23 January 2019}}

In October 2018, Atlanta television station WAGA-TV reported that companies Kemp owned had owed more than $800,000 in loans to a community bank where he is a founding board member and stockholder. Such "insider loans" are legal as long as they are on the same terms as the bank would extend to any other borrower. Kemp's campaign declined to publicize the terms of the loan.{{Cite news|author=Dale Russell|url=http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/i-team/brian-kemp-owes-more-than-800-000-in-insider-loans-to-bank-he-helped-start|title=Brian Kemp owes more than $800,000 in insider loans to bank he helped start|publisher=WAGA-TV|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024232337/http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/i-team/brian-kemp-owes-more-than-800-000-in-insider-loans-to-bank-he-helped-start|archive-date=October 24, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia State Senate 46th district election, 2002}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp

|votes = 17,504

|percentage = 50.7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Doug Haines (incumbent)

|votes = 17,015

|percentage = 49.3

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia State Senate 46th district election, 2004}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp (incumbent)

|votes = 29,424

|percentage = 51.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Becky Vaughn

|votes = 27,617

|percentage = 48.4

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Republican Primary election, 2006}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Gary Black

|votes = 153,568

|percentage = 42

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp

|votes = 97,113

|percentage = 27

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Bob Greer

|votes = 57,813

|percentage = 16

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Deana Strickland

|votes = 54,318

|percentage = 15

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Republican runoff election, 2006}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Gary Black

|votes = 101,274

|percentage = 60

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp

|votes = 67,509

|percentage = 40

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Secretary of State Republican primary election, 2010}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp (incumbent)

|votes = 361,304

|percentage = 59.2

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Doug MacGinnitie

|votes = 248,911

|percentage = 40.8

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Secretary of State, 2010}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp (incumbent)

|votes = 1,440,188

|percentage = 56.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Georganna Sinkfield

|votes = 1,006,411

|percentage = 39.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = David Chastain

|votes = 106,123

|percentage = 4.2

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Secretary of State, 2014}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp (incumbent)

|votes = 1,452,554

|percentage = 57.5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Doreen Carter

|votes = 1,075,101

|percentage = 42.5

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Gubernatorial Republican primary, 2018}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Casey Cagle

|votes = 236,498

|percentage = 39.0

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp

|votes = 154,913

|percentage = 25.5

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Hunter Hill

|votes = 111,207

|percentage = 18.3

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Clay Tippins

|votes = 74,053

|percentage = 12.2

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Michael Williams

|votes = 29,554

|percentage = 4.9

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eddie Hayes

|votes = 739

|percentage = 0.1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Gubernatorial Republican runoff election, 2018}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp

|votes = 406,638

|percentage = 69.5

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Casey Cagle

|votes = 178,877

|percentage = 30.6

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Gubernatorial election, 2018}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp

|votes = 1,978,408

|percentage = 50.2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Stacey Abrams

|votes = 1,923,685

|percentage = 48.8

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Ted Metz

|votes = 37,235

|percentage = 1.0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Gubernatorial Republican primary, 2022}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp (incumbent)

|votes = 887,389

|percentage = 73.7

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = David Perdue

|votes = 262,118

|percentage = 21.8

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Kandiss Taylor

|votes = 41,183

|percentage = 3.4

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Catherine Davis

|votes = 9,775

|percentage = 0.8

}}

{{Election box candidate no party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Tom Williams

|votes = 3,252

|percentage = 0.3

}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia Gubernatorial election, 2022}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Brian Kemp (incumbent)

|votes = 2,111,572

|percentage = 53.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Stacey Abrams

|votes = 1,813,673

|percentage = 45.9

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Shane T. Hazel|party=Libertarian Party (United States)|votes=28,163|percentage=0.7}}

{{Election box end}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• [http://www.kempforgovernor.com/ Campaign website]
• [https://gba.georgia.gov/brian-p-kemp Brian P. Kemp] – Georgia state website
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20181226231305/http://briankemp.com/ Brian P. Kemp] – briankemp.com
• {{C-SPAN}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-par|us-ga-sen}}

{{s-bef|before=Doug Haines}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Georgia State Senate
from the 46th district|years=2003–2007}}

{{s-aft|after=Bill Cowsert}}

|-

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Karen Handel}}

{{s-ttl|title=Secretary of State of Georgia|years=2010–2018}}

{{s-aft|after=Robyn Crittenden}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Nathan Deal}}

{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Georgia|years=2019–present}}

{{s-inc}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Karen Handel}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Secretary of State of Georgia|years=2010, 2014}}

{{s-aft|after=Brad Raffensperger}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Nathan Deal}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Governor of Georgia|years=2018, 2022}}

{{s-inc|recent}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Bill Lee}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Republican Governors Association|years=2024–present}}

{{s-inc}}

|-

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|rows=2|before={{Incumbent VPOTUS}}|as=Vice President}}

{{s-ttl|rows=2|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Within Georgia}}

{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city
in which event is held}}

|-

{{s-aft|after=Otherwise Mike Johnson|as=Speaker of the House}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Phil Murphy|as=Governor of New Jersey}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Outside Georgia}}

{{s-aft|after=Ned Lamont|as=Governor of Connecticut}}

{{s-end}}

{{Governors of Georgia |state=collapsed}}

{{Current Georgia statewide political officials}}

{{Current U.S. governors}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kemp, Brian P.}}

Category:1963 births

Category:21st-century Georgia (U.S. state) politicians

Category:Episcopalians from Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:Georgia (U.S. state) Republicans

Category:Republican Party Georgia (U.S. state) state senators

Category:Living people

Category:Politicians from Athens, Georgia

Category:Republican Party governors of Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:Secretaries of state of Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:University of Georgia alumni