Policy Pulse: Winds of Change are Coming
Georgia politics has changed considerably in recent years, but the success of our state economy continues to be consistent…very few other states can make that claim. However, the weather is changing, and the results of the upcoming election on November 3 may reveal a gentle breeze, a billowing storm, or perhaps a tornado rolling in for UAC and the business community.
For the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council (UAC), elections remain about much more than political parties. Serving our membership interests starts with building relationships. UAC is committed to engaging with elected leaders on your behalf, but your personal relationships with elected officials in your community remain where the rubber meets the road. Thank you to everyone who invests time, resources and personal relationships into building the reputation of our industry where it counts.
Support of Our Allies
The UAC GrowPAC (a political action committee used to support state elected officials in Georgia) is also a critical tool for our industry advocacy. In the last three years, the member-funded donations to the GrowPAC have contributed over $50,000 in campaign contributions to state lawmakers…and we must continue these efforts. Our focus on protecting member interests is a foundational pillar to UAC's success. We will continue to advocate for policies that advance Georgia's landscape, nursery, sod, turfgrass and urban agriculture industries while working to stop laws that could negatively affect our members. It is not just important…it is essential.
2027 Starts Now
With all 236 seats in the Georgia House and Senate on the ballot, along with contests for Governor and every statewide constitutional office, the 2026 General Election represents another significant political transition for Georgia.
A Wide-Open Governor's Race
For the first time since 2018, Georgia voters will elect a new Governor. Governor Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek another consecutive term.
The Republican primary saw Rick Jackson emerge as the nominee after defeating several well-known candidates, including Lt. Governor Burt Jones in a June runoff.
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic nomination by a wide margin. Bottoms will face Jackson in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched statewide races in the country.
The Governor's race is particularly important to UAC because the Office of the Governor has tremendous power and influence over state policy, appoints a tremendous number of citizens to serve on boards, hand-picks state agency leadership and, of course, oversees the $38.5 billion state budget. The importance of these levers of power cannot be overstated for issues affecting agriculture, natural resources, water, economic development and business.
A New Lieutenant Governor Will Take Office
The Georgia Senate will have a new face presiding next year. Democrats nominated State Senator Josh McLaurin, while Republicans nominated State Senator Greg Dolezal. Both have years of experience in the Georgia General Assembly.
The Lieutenant Governor serves as President of the Georgia Senate and therefore plays an important role in determining committee assignments and the legislative agenda. That makes this race particularly important to UAC. The Lieutenant Governor's influence over the Senate can directly affect legislation important to our members.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper
Over at Georgia's Department of Agriculture, Tyler Harper was elected Agriculture Commissioner in 2022 after serving for a decade in the Georgia Senate. His family has a long history in agricultural production. Commissioner Harper brings extensive agricultural experience and a longstanding relationship with UAC and our members to this position.
Harper is now seeking a second four-year term and was unopposed in the Republican primary. His Democratic opponent is Katherine Juhan-Arnold. She has some hands-on farming experience and works with local food systems.
The Agriculture Commissioner's office remains particularly important to UAC because of the Department's responsibilities involving Georgia agriculture, nursery and landscape businesses, agricultural regulation, pesticide registrations, and applicator licensure among other programs impacting the state's broader agricultural economy.
The Wider View: Statewide Constitutional Officers
In addition to the Governor, Lt. Governor and Agriculture Commissioner, the November 3, 2026, election will also decide the leadership for these important offices for the next four years:
Republican nominees include:
- Attorney General: Brian Strickland
- Secretary of State: Tim Fleming
- Insurance Commissioner: John King
- Labor Commissioner: Barbara Rivera Holmes
- State School Superintendent: Richard Woods
Democratic nominees include:
- Attorney General: Tanya Miller
- Secretary of State: Penny Brown Reynolds
- Insurance Commissioner: Keisha Sean Waites
- Labor Commissioner: Nikki Porcher
- State School Superintendent: Lydia Powell
The Georgia House and Senate
The biggest change for state government may ultimately come from the elections for the House and Senate legislative chambers. Every one of Georgia's 180 House seats and 56 Senate seats is on the ballot in 2026.
Republicans currently maintain majorities in both chambers. House Speaker Jon Burns has continued to lead the House with a steady hand. Republicans hold 99 House seats compared with 81 Democrats. While the Senate will have a new Lt. Governor leading its chamber next year, it will maintain a conservative policy focus based on continued Republican control with 33 seats, while the Democrats hold 23.
Because every legislative district is up for election, we know there will be many new faces when the General Assembly convenes in January 2027. The number of new members will depend on the outcome of the November election, but we already know the turnover will be significant. The bigger question is which party will control the House as the Republican and Democrat margins tighten. For UAC, these races are highly important. After all, State Senators and Representatives are the people who introduce, amend and vote on the legislation that directly affects our members.
A Different Political Environment
Georgia has become one of the nation's premier political battlegrounds. The state that once routinely produced Republican victories at the statewide level has now demonstrated that both parties can win statewide and local elections.
Relationships matter more than ever. Candidates and elected officials need to understand that Georgia's agriculture and landscape industry sectors are major economic contributors. Recent data from the University of Georgia shows UAC member sectors exceed $12 billion in annual economic output…and we are growing. Our industry employs thousands of Georgians and provides essential services ranging from landscape maintenance and nursery production to sod farming, irrigation, tree care, and landscape design and construction. UAC's responsibility is to make sure these industries have a seat at the table and remain a respected voice on policy issues.
Yes, winds of change may come on November 3. UAC’s priorities remain clear: engage elected leaders, advocate for sound policy, protect businesses, and fight for our industry members. Thank you for your investment in UAC…you can count on us.
