ATLANTA - The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Renae Bell in the special election for State Senate District 30, which includes all of Haralson County and parts of Carroll, Paulding and Douglas Counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Ms. Bell will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciates Renae Bell’s record of service to her community as a realtor and Chairwoman of the Greater Haralson Chamber. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic opportunities not only for West Georgia but also for all citizens throughout our state,” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Renae Bell and looks forward to working with her once elected.”

Renae Bell added, "It's an honor to have the Georgia Chamber's endorsement. As a community leader and small businesswoman, I understand how important it is to foster a pro-business environment in Georgia so every community can thrive. The Georgia Chamber, and the work they do, align perfectly with my campaign platform of growing the economy and creating jobs for West Georgia. "

The special election will take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic prosperity for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

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Atlanta, Georgia – Monday, February 27, 2023 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Holt Persinger in the special election runoff for State House District 119, which includes portions of Barrow and Jackson Counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Mr. Persinger will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Holt Persinger’s record as a business leader in his community. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic development opportunities throughout our state,” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Holt Persinger and looks forward to a great working relationship if elected.”

Holt Persinger added, “I appreciate the Georgia Chamber’s support for my campaign. As a small businessowner, I know the importance of continuing the pro-business policies that have led to record economic growth and to Georgia maintaining its’ status as the #1 state in the nation to do business. If elected, I look forward to working with them to keep taxes low, cut regulations that stifle our small businesses, and promote policies to keep our economy growing.”

The special election will take place Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.
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Atlanta, Georgia – Tuesday, January 24, 2023 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Chas Cannon in the special election for State House District 172H, which includes Colquitt and portions of Cook and Thomas Counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office.  After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Mr. Cannon will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciates Chas Cannon’s record of community and military service, and we know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic opportunities not only for South Georgia, but also for all citizens throughout our state” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Chas Cannon and looks forward to continuing our great working with him once elected.”

Chas Cannon added, “It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Throughout my professional and military career, I have prioritized service over self and plan to continue this record once elected to the Georgia House.  I hope to bring an insightful perspective to the general assembly that will help the state continue to grow economic opportunities and jobs in South Georgia. ”

The special election will take place Tuesday, January 31, 2023.  The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

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Atlanta, Georgia – Thursday, January 19, 2023 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Sam Watson in the special election for State Senate District 11, which includes Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Grady, Seminole and Thomas Counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office.  After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Mr. Watson will continue to make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Sam Watson’s lifetime A+ record with the statewide business community as a former member of the Georgia House. Moreover, his experience as a small business owner and farmer in his community will help bring an invaluable perspective to the State Senate. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic opportunities not only for South Georgia, but also for all citizens throughout our state” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Sam Watson and looks forward to continuing our great working relationship if elected.”

Sam Watson added, “It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Throughout my time in the Georgia House, I was proud to partner with the Chamber to ensure we can maintain a strong economy and bright future for our entire state.  A competitive and business-friendly environment strengthens our communities, improves our education system, and develops a highly skilled workforce. ”

The special election will take place Tuesday, January 31, 2023.  The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

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Atlanta, GA – Friday, September 30, 2022 – Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced its slate of legislative endorsements for the 2022 Midterm Election. As the premiere statewide business advocacy organization, the Chamber not only engages in public policy matters, but it also engages politically to ensure candidates for office remain focused on building a better state for business. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office. Legislative incumbents are largely considered based on their voting record with the business community, whereas candidates for open seats actively seek the organization’s endorsement by completing a candidate questionnaire on issues of importance to businesses statewide. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that the following list of both legislative incumbents and candidates for open seats will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation in Georgia.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate these candidates’ commitment to bolstering the economic vitality of our state. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion pro-growth policies in Georgia,” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse these pro-business candidates and looks forward to a great working relationship if elected.”

The Georgia Chamber’s endorsed candidates for the 2022 Midterm Election include:

Chamber-endorsed Statewide Incumbents:
Governor, Brian P. Kemp
Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger
Attorney General, Chris Carr
Insurance Commissioner, John King
State School Superintendent, Richard Woods

Georgia Supreme Court, Verda Colvin
Fulton County Superior Court, Chuck Eaton
Fulton County Superior Court, Paige Whitaker

Chamber-endorsed Statewide Open Seat Candidates:
Lieutenant Governor, Burt Jones
Commissioner of Agriculture, Tyler Harper
Commissioner of Labor, Bruce Thompson

Chamber-endorsed Legislative Open Seat Candidates:
Senate District 2, Derek Mallow (D)
Senate District 3, Mike Hodges (R)
Senate District 14, Liz Hausmann (R)
Senate District 25, Rick Williams (R)
Senate District 48, Shawn Still (R)
Senate District 49, Shelly Echols (R)
House District 22, Jordan Ridley (R)
House District 40, Doug Stoner (D)
House District 53, Deborah Silcox (R)
House District 80, Long Tran (D)
House District 99, Matt Reeves (R)
House District 117, Lauren Daniel (R)
House District 119, Danny Rampey (R)
House District 160, Lehman Franklin (R)

Chamber-endorsed Legislative Incumbents:
Senate District 1, Ben Watson (R)
Senate District 10, Emanuel Jones (D)
Senate District 16, Marty Harbin (R)
Senate District 17, Brian Strickland (R)
Senate District 18, John Kennedy (R)
Senate District 19, Blake Tillery (R)
Senate District 27, Greg Dolezal (R)
Senate District 29, Randy Robertson (R)
Senate District 32, Kay Kirkpatrick (R)
Senate District 33, Michael "Doc" Rhett (D)
Senate District 45, Clint Dixon (R)
Senate District 46, Bill Cowsert (R)
Senate District 47, Frank Ginn (R)
Senate District 50, Bo Hatchett (R)
Senate District 55, Gloria Butler (D)

Chamber-endorsed Legislative Incumbents:
House District 1, Mike Cameron (R)
House District 2, Steve Tarvin (R)
House District 4, Kasey Carpenter (R)
House District 8, Stan Gunter (R)
House District 9, Will Wade (R)
House District 11, Rick Jasperse (R)
House District 12, Eddie Lumsden (R)
House District 13, Katie Dempsey (R)
House District 18, Tyler Paul Smith (R)
House District 23, Mandi Ballinger (R)
House District 25, Todd Jones (R)
House District 26, Lauren McDonald III (R)
House District 29, Matt Dubnik (R)
House District 31, Emory Dunahoo (R)
House District 33, Alan Powell (R)
House District 34, Devan Seabaugh (R)
House District 44, Don Parsons (R)
House District 45, Sharon Cooper (R)
House District 46, John Carson (R)
House District 49, Charles "Chuck" Martin (R)
House District 56, Mesha Mainor (D)
House District 69, Debra Bazemore (D)
House District 70, Lynn Smith (R)
House District 71, J. Collins (R)
House District 74, Karen Mathiak (R)
House District 75, Mike Glanton (D)
House District 85, Karla Drenner (D)
House District 88, Billy Mitchell (D)
House District 93, Doreen Carter (D)
House District 104, Chuck Efstration (R)
House District 106, Shelly Hutchinson (D)
House District 112, Bruce Williamson (R)
House District 118, Clint Crowe (R)
House District 120, Houston Gaines (R)
House District 121, Marcus Wiedower (R)
House District 124, Trey Rhodes (R)
House District 132, Brian Prince (D)
House District 134, David Knight (R)
House District 135, Beth Camp (R)
House District 136, David Jenkins (R)
House District 144, Dale Washburn (R)
House District 146, Shaw Blackmon (R)
House District 151, Mike Cheokas (R)
House District 154, Gerald Greene (R)
House District 156, Leesa Hagan (R)
House District 158, Butch Parrish (R)
House District 161, Bill Hitchens (R)
House District 162, Carl Gilliard (D)
House District 164, Ron Stephens (R)
House District 168, Al Williams (D)
House District 169, Clay Pirkle (R)
House District 173, Darlene Taylor (R)
House District 175, John LaHood (R)
House District 178, Steven Meeks (R)
House District 180, Steven Sainz (R)

The midterm election will take place Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers, and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit https://www.sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-voting.

About the Georgia Chamber of Commerce

As the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce represents over 50,000 investors in every county of our state with a diverse cross-section of over 500 industry sectors. The prime mission is keeping, growing, and creating jobs to make Georgia a better state for business.

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Atlanta, Georgia – August 10, 2022 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Burt Jones in the general election for Lieutenant Governor. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Senator Jones will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Burt Jones’ record as a business leader as well as his service to his community as a member of the State Senate. His lifetime “A” rating with the Chamber during his tenure in the general assembly demonstrates that Senator Jones has prioritized economic growth and opportunity in Georgia,” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Burt Jones and looks forward to continuing our great working relationship if elected.”

Burt Jones said, “I am honored to have the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement in our race for Lieutenant Governor.  As a sixth-generation Georgia native and small business owner, I know firsthand how important it is to empower our private sector job creators, cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses, putting more money back into pockets of hardworking Georgians. As a State Senator, I have been proud to work with the  Chamber, a leading partner in our effort to make Georgia the number one state to do business eight years in a row. As Lieutenant Governor, I look forward to working with the business community to build on our state’s economic success, invest in workforce development and our talent pipeline, and continue making Georgia the best state in the country to do business for generations to come.”

The Georgia general election will take place Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers, and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

About The Georgia Chamber of Commerce

As the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce represents investors in every county of our state with a diverse cross-section of over 500 industry sectors. Our number one mission is keeping, growing, and creating jobs to make Georgia a better state for business. We work to ensure economic competitiveness, innovative solutions to challenges that state faces, and a commitment to high quality of life. For more visit, gachamber.com

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Atlanta, Georgia – Friday, May 20, 2022 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Dale Washburn in the primary election for State House District 141, which includes portions of Bibb, Monroe, and Jones counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office.  After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Mr. Washburn will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Dale Washburn’s record as a business leader in his community. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic development opportunities for Georgia” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Mr. Washburn and looks forward to a great working relationship if elected.”

Dale Washburn added, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of The Georgia Chamber of Commerce. My pledge to the voters has always been that I will always cast votes based on what is best for Georgia families and for Georgia Business. I will continue to do that.”

The primary election will take place Tuesday, May 24, 2022.  The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers, and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

About The Georgia Chamber of Commerce

As the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce represents investors in every county of our state with a diverse cross-section of over 500 industry sectors. Our number one mission is keeping, growing, and creating jobs to make Georgia a better state for business. We work to ensure economic competitiveness, innovative solutions to challenges that state faces, and a commitment to high quality of life. For more visit, gachamber.com

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Atlanta, Georgia – Friday, May 20, 2022 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Brian Strickland in the primary election for State Senate District 17, which includes portions of Walton, Morgan, Henry and Newton counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office.  After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Senator Strickland will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Senator Brian Strickland’s record as a business leader in his community and his legislative efforts in addressing the state’s workforce needs. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic development opportunities for Georgia” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. “The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Senator Strickland and looks forward to continuing our great working relationship if elected.”

Brian Strickland added, “I am proud to earn the endorsement of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. We worked especially hard together to help Georgia’s businesses and our workers by passing the legislation to expand the state’s apprenticeship program.  With the Chamber’s help, we also passed the largest tax cut in Georgia history, returned over a $1 billion to our taxpayers, and suspended the gas tax. I appreciate the leadership of our Chamber in continuing to make Georgia the number one state in the country for business.”

The primary election will take place on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

About The Georgia Chamber of Commerce

As the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce represents investors in every county of our state with a diverse cross-section of over 500 industry sectors. Our number one mission is keeping, growing, and creating jobs to make Georgia a better state for business. We work to ensure economic competitiveness, innovative solutions to challenges that state faces, and a commitment to high quality of life. For more visit, gachamber.com

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Atlanta, GA – Tuesday, May 17, 2022 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, M.D. in the primary election for State Senate District 32, which includes portions of Cobb and Cherokee counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber's Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Dr. Kirkpatrick will continue to make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

"The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Senator Kirkpatrick's record as a health care professional, business, and elected leader in her community. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic development opportunities for Georgia," said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. "The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Dr. Kirkpatrick and looks forward to continuing our great working relationship if re-elected."

Kay Kirkpatrick added, "I am honored to be recognized as someone who supports our positive business climate in Georgia and will continue to address strengthening our workforce."

The primary election will take place Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.

Atlanta, GA – Monday, May 16, 2022 – The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of Mike Hodges in the primary election for State Senate District 3, which includes Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh, and portions of Ware Counties. Each election cycle, the Chamber's Political Affairs Council vets dozens of candidates for office. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state are confident that Mr. Hodges will make effective policy decisions that positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.

"The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our statewide membership appreciate Mike Hodges' record as a business leader in his community. We know there is a clear choice in who will champion economic development opportunities throughout our state," said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber Chief Public Affairs Officer. "The Georgia Chamber is proud to endorse pro-business candidates like Mike Hodges and looks forward to a great working relationship if elected."

Mike Hodges added, "It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Georgia has been named the number one state in which to do business for eight years in a row, which is a testament to the strong partnership between state government and the business community. Once elected, I look forward to creating jobs and economic opportunity in our communities across the 3rd Senate District."

The primary election will take place Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The Georgia Chamber is a nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to working with elected officials to ensure a future of economic growth for Georgia businesses, workers and families. To locate your polling place or view your voter status, visit https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.