Georgia Democrat Mike Thurmond talks bid for governor

The Democratic primary field already includes State Sen. Jason Esteves and former Atlanta Mayor of Keisha Lance Bottoms.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – Mike Thurmond has held several elected offices across Georgia, and is looking to add the state’s top leadership position to that list.

Earlier this week, Thurmond launched his campaign for governor, joining a growing Democratic primary field. Thurmond’s political career began in 1986 when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. He previously as the Georgia Labor Commissioner, and later the Interim Superintendent of the Dekalb County School District and the CEO of Dekalb County.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Georgia and the history of America,” Thurmond said. 

Before deciding on a run for governor, Thurmond went on an 80-stop tour across Georgia earlier this year to listen to voter concerns. He says voters want a leader who will “get back to the basics”, which he says includes protecting Medicaid coverage. Thurmond says the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that passed last month and was signed into law by President Trump puts 750,000 Georgians at risk of losing access to healthcare. On top of that, Thurmond says four rural hospitals are currently at risk of closure.

“As your next governor, I promise you I will spend every waking hour ensuring that all Georgians – urban, rural, suburban – will have access to affordable care,” Thurmond said. 

Pointing to his leadership background, Thurmond says education and job growth in Georgia go hand-in-hand. He plans to increase funding for technical schools across the state to strengthen the workforce and attract manufacturing.

“White collar, blue collar, no collar, it’s not the color of the collar,” Thurmond said. “But it’s the green in the dollar that makes all the difference. So we have to create multiple pathways to success in our school systems.” 

None of which, Thurmond says, will be possible without eliminating some of the divisiveness in today’s political landscape. He says his number one priority is to bring Georgians together to help residents across the state.

“We have to be able and in a position to fight for working families so they can afford their groceries, rent, mortgages, have access to healthcare, and able to fulfill their dreams hopes and ambitions,” Thurmond said.