Former DeKalb County CEO and Georgia Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond has officially thrown his hat into the ring for Georgia Governor, becoming the latest Democrat to enter what is shaping up to be a highly competitive race for the state’s highest office.

In a news release announcing his bid, Thurmond outlined his core motivations, stating he is “running for Governor to fight for working families, protect and expand access to healthcare, and build an education system that creates multiple pathways to success.”

Thurmond expressed concern about the current state of affairs for many Georgians. “Right now, the American Dream is slipping away from many Georgians,” he asserted. He specifically criticized national policies, stating, “Washington Republicans have put 750,000 Georgians’ access to healthcare at risk and cut critical food assistance to struggling families, but the fight is just beginning.”

Emphasizing unity and collaboration, Thurmond called for a collective effort to address the state’s challenges. “From north to south and east to west, we must unite to build one Georgia to tackle these problems,” he said. Reflecting on his extensive public service, Thurmond added, “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that in order to build bridges, you must be willing to be the bridge.”

Thurmond brings a wealth of experience to the race, having previously served as DeKalb County CEO and as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner from 1999 to 2011.

His entry further expands the Democratic primary field, which already features prominent figures such as former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Olu Brown (founding and Lead Pastor of Impact United Methodist Church in East Point), Georgia State Senator Jason Esteves, and Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson.

On the Republican side, three candidates have so far declared their intentions: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and US Army and Georgia Army National Guard veteran Ken Yasger.

Thurmond’s announcement signals an intensifying gubernatorial race in Georgia, with both major parties seeing a growing number of contenders vying for their respective nominations.