Georgia voters will elect a Labor Commissioner in the 2026 statewide election, with party primaries on May 19, 2026, and the general election on November 3, 2026. The labor commissioner oversees the Georgia Department of Labor, which administers unemployment benefits, workforce programs, and job placement services.
This nonpartisan guide provides an overview of the candidates, key election dates, and how to vote in the 2026 Georgia labor commissioner race. The page will be updated as candidates qualify and additional campaigns are announced.
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What Does the Georgia Labor Commissioner Do?
The Georgia labor commissioner leads the Georgia Department of Labor, which helps connect workers with employers and administers key employment programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing unemployment insurance benefits
- Operating career centers and workforce training programs
- Tracking employment and labor market data
- Helping employers recruit workers and fill open jobs
- Administering federal and state workforce programs
Georgia is one of the few states where the labor commissioner is elected statewide, rather than appointed by the governor.
The office carries a four-year term.
Here are the key dates for Georgia’s 2026 labor commissioner election
- Candidate filing period: March 2-6, 2026 – Qualifying has closed.
- Primary election: May 19, 2026
- Primary runoff (if needed): June 16, 2026
- General election: Nov. 3, 2026
- General election runoff (if needed): Dec. 1, 2026
Who are the Democratic candidates?
| Candidate | Website |
|---|---|
| Clarence Blalock | Campaign |
| Brett Hulme | Ballotpedia | Campaign |
| Jason Moon | Ballotpedia | Campaign |
| Nikki Porcher | Ballotpedia | Campaign |
| Michelle Michi Sanchez | Campaign |
| Christian Wise Smith | Ballotpedia | Campaign |
Who is the Republican candidate?
| Candidate | Website |
|---|---|
| Barbara Rivera Holmes (Incumbent) | Ballotpedia | Campaign |
Candidates are updated as of 3/6/2026.
When are the debates?
Candidate debates have not been announced.