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<h3>Mike Thurmond on WSB News </h3>Georgia gubernatorial candidate Mike Thurmond announced today his plan to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime earnings to put money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians.

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Mike Thurmond believes in Georgia’s promise. His life embodies Georgia’s greatness and promise of possibility. His vision and leadership are what our state needs to meet this moment.Mike grew up in rural Clarke County, the youngest of nine children. While his parents hoped he’d become a preacher, Mike heard a different calling, a call to service. So he dedicated his life to helping others rise out of poverty, improving our schools and making Georgia a safer and more affordable place to raise a family.Mike was the youngest of nine children and graduated from Clarke Central High School in&nbsp; Athens. He graduated from Paine College in Augusta then earned a law degree from the South Carolina School of Law before returning home to Clarke County to establish&nbsp; a law practice.At 33, Mike was elected to the Georgia Legislature, defeating a long-term incumbent to become the first African American to represent Clarke County at the Capitol since Reconstruction.&nbsp;Mike led Georgia’s Division of Family &amp; Children Services where he earned a reputation as a “turnaround-expert” creating the Work First program that helped 90,000 Georgians move back into the workforce.He then went on to serve as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner, where he transformed outdated unemployment offices into state-of-the-art career centers that facilitated the employment of over 300,000 Georgians.. As Commissioner, Mike turned the unemployment office into a career center: created the Georgia Work$ model, that has been copied by more than 30 states.So, when DeKalb County schools were in crisis, they turned to Mike. As interim superintendent, Mike erased a multi-million dollar deficit while improving test scores and raising graduation rates. Most recently, Mike served as CEO of Dekalb County where he ended a culture of corruption and debt, turning a $27 million dollar deficit into a $140 million dollar surplus.Mike is also a historian and award-winning author, whose most recent book is a biography of Georgia’s founding father James Oglethorpe and his journey from slave trader to abolitionist.Today, Mike Thurmond is ready to add a new chapter to Georgia’s story as our next governor. At a time of rising costs and declining trust Mike is exactly what our state needs to grow faster, stronger, safer and more equitable. While he lives in DeKalb with his wife Zola, Mike is at home in all 159 of Georgia’s counties and hopes to see you soon as he campaigns across the great state that he loves so much.

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<h3>Boots on Georgia Ground</h3>Mike Thurmond has dedicated his career to public service, with a track record of fighting for working families and helping Georgians rise out of poverty. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia take on its biggest challenges.

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<h3>Mike Thurmond</h3>is a turn-around expert ready to add a new chapter to Georgia’s story as our next governor.At a time of rising costs and declining trust Mike is exactly what our state needs to grow faster, stronger, safer and more equitable.

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Mike grew up in rural Clarke County, the youngest of nine children. While his parents hoped he’d become a preacher, Mike heard a different calling, a call to service. So he dedicated his life to helping others rise out of poverty, improving our schools and making Georgia a safer and more affordable place to raise a family.

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Mike Thurmond has dedicated his career to public service, with a track record of fighting for working families and helping Georgians rise out of poverty. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia take on its biggest challenges.

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As Georgians, we pride ourselves on fairness, hard work, and standing up for what’s right. That’s why I’m deeply troubled by President Donald Trump’s unconstitutional campaign to oust Lisa Cook, a Georgia native, from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, where she works to protect jobs and keep our economy stable.

STANDING UP FOR FEDERAL RESERVE GOV. LISA COOK IS DEFENDING GEORGIA VALUES

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- This time last year, Middle Georgians and others across the southeast were picking up the pieces left by Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Michael Thurmond says Georgia is at risk of being unprepared for the next storm, in large part due to the Trump administration’s cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

GEORGIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE MIKE THURMOND TALKS STATE DISASTER RESPONSE IN WAKE OF FEMA CUTS

Former DeKalb County CEO and 2026 Georgia gubernatorial candidate Michael Thurmond visited The Atlanta Voice on Monday, Sept. 2, to discuss why he believes he should be the Democratic nominee next November. A former employee at The Athens Voice, a now-closed newspaper that was part of The Voice News Network, Thurmond was hired right out of Paine College to work for The Atlanta Voice’s founder and current publisher’s father, J. Lowell Ware.

'THIS IS BEYOND PARTY POLITICS': MICHAEL THURMOND WANTS TO BE GEORGIA'S NEXT GOVERNOR

ATLANTA — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Thurmond has proposed eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime in Georgia.Thurmond, who previously served as the state labor commissioner and DeKalb County CEO, believes that exempting tips and overtime from state income tax could return approximately $400 million to the public over five years.

MICHAEL THURMOND WANTS THE STATE TO DO AWAY WITH TAXES ON TIPS AND OVERTIME

DeKalb County, GA - Today, former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond officially launched his campaign for Governor of Georgia, bringing to the race his deep Georgia roots, decades of public service, and a proven record of uniting diverse communities to deliver results for working families. As a candidate for Governor, Mike is running to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living, push back against extreme partisan attacks on health care, and be the champion for education in Georgia. Mike will maintain his longstanding commitment to visiting every corner of the state, from the mountains of North Georgia to the fertile plains of South Georgia, to ensure that every community – rural, urban, and suburban – has a voice in building a more prosperous future for Georgia.“Throughout my career, I've learned that in order to build bridges, you must be willing to be the bridge,” said Mike Thurmond.&nbsp; “I’m 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. Right now, the American Dream is slipping away from many Georgians. 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. From north to south and east to west, we must unite to build one Georgia to tackle these problems. "This campaign won’t be about promises, but performance. I have led the transformation of broken private and public organizations, passed tax relief for Georgia seniors and working families, and helped more than 300,000 unemployed Georgians find good jobs. Georgia deserves a leader with the courage to tune out the political nonsense, bring people together, and get results. The fight is not over – let’s put our boots on Georgia ground to get the job done.” Mike knows the stakes are too high to let partisan politics stand in the way of progress. While extreme Republicans work to gut healthcare to fund tax breaks for billionaires, Mike will use his experience reforming broken institutions and balancing budgets to protect access to care and keep rural hospitals open.&nbsp; As the youngest of nine, Mike learned early the value of education—and he’ll fight to ensure every Georgia student has a pathway to success. The former superintendent of Georgia's third-largest school district, Mike will continue to champion public schools and stand up to Republican efforts to redirect taxpayer money to wasteful voucher schemes. He’ll work to build an economy that supports families and small businesses, because Georgia can’t afford four more years of rising costs and Washington dysfunction.&nbsp; Mike has built a reputation as Georgia's leading turnaround expert, transforming government institutions and making them more efficient and effective for Georgia families. When he was elected to serve as CEO of DeKalb County, Mike inherited a government with a $27 million structural deficit, demoralized employees, crumbling infrastructure, and a crisis of public trust. In less than a decade, he eliminated the deficit, created a $140 million surplus, and passed legislation generating more than $1.6 billion in property tax relief for DeKalb homeowners. He also created a partnership with Georgia farmers to buy and distribute more than 170,000 boxes of fresh produce to food-insecure families, increased the salaries of police officers and fire rescue personnel, invested $1.2 billion to repair and upgrade the county's long-neglected water and wastewater infrastructure, and implemented workforce development initiatives, including summer youth employment and GED programs for county employees seeking advancement.&nbsp; Before he was elected as County CEO, Mike was appointed as superintendent of the DeKalb County School District to restore order during a governance and financial crisis. Under his leadership, the district upgraded its threatened accreditation, eliminated a multimillion-dollar deficit, and improved academic performance and graduation rates.&nbsp; As Georgia’s Labor Commissioner, Mike worked across the aisle to repay the department’s debts and helped to overhaul the state’s unemployment program, modernizing processes and establishing the Georgia Works training program, which has been recreated in 30 states. Before his three terms as Labor Commissioner, Mike served as the state’s Director of the Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), transforming the division’s culture and operations and creating the Work First program, which helped over 90,000 welfare-dependent families move into Georgia's workforce through comprehensive support rather than simply cutting benefits.&nbsp; Mike has also served in the Georgia General Assembly, authored multiple books on Georgia’s history, and was a finalist for the 2025 Georgia Author of the Year Award. After eight months of traveling across the state and listening to Georgians, Mike enters the race with a broad coalition of support. Mike’s campaign will reach all 159 Georgia counties, and in the coming months, will continue to listen and engage with communities well beyond metro Atlanta. Learn more at <a href="http://MikeThurmond.com">MikeThurmond.com</a>. ABOUT MIKE&nbsp;Mike Thurmond has dedicated his life to public service, building a distinguished record of fighting for working families and taking on tough jobs to help Georgians in need of support. A Clarke County native and the youngest of nine children, Mike learned the value of hard work and education from his family. Throughout his career in public service, from the Georgia General Assembly to Labor Commissioner and DeKalb County CEO, Mike has become Georgia’s go-to turnaround expert when institutions are broken and communities need results – not just promises. Whether it's eliminating multi-million-dollar deficits, modernizing outdated systems, or creating programs that support working families, Mike gets things done when others say it’s impossible. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia live up to its full promise.&nbsp;

Today, former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond officially launched his campaign for Governor of Georgia, bringing to the race his deep Georgia roots, decades of public service, and a proven record of uniting diverse communities to deliver results for working families. As a candidate for Governor, Mike is running to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living, push back against extreme partisan attacks on health care, and be the champion for education in Georgia.

MIKE THURMOND LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR

On Feb. 12, Georgia will celebrate the 293rd anniversary of its founding by Gen. James Oglethorpe in 1733. Georgians should be proud that the 13th British American colony has become a political and economic powerhouse. Thanks to a highly productive work force, accommodating tax laws and strong public infrastructure, various news outlets have ranked Georgia as the best state for business in America.

MICHAEL THURMOND: IN GEORGIA'S 'ORIGINAL VISION': A 21ST-CENTURY CALL TO ACTION

Watch the full interview of former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond from the AJC's "Politically Georgia" candidate forum held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

WATCH: MICHAEL THURMOND 'POLITICALLY GEORGIA' CANDIDATE FORUM FULL INTERVIEW

Mike Thurmond released the following statement: "Tonight, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress once again chose partisanship over the people they swore to serve, and working families will pay the price. Instead of easing the burden on families drowning under Trump's economy, Republicans are fighting to gut nearly half a million Georgians' healthcare and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs.&nbsp; Now, it's on our state to fill the gap. Georgia must move quickly to restore SNAP and other critical benefits that families depend on. As Governor, I will fight to protect access to affordable healthcare, invest in our healthcare economy, and deliver the real solutions Georgia's families desperately need."

Mike Thurmond released the following statement: "Tonight, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress once again chose partisanship over the people they swore to serve, and working families will pay the price. Instead of easing the burden on families drowning under Trump's economy, Republicans are fighting to gut nearly half a million Georgians' healthcare and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs."

STATEMENT FROM MIKE THURMOND ON WASHINGTON REPUBLICANS' ASSAULT ON GEORGIA HEALTHCARE

DeKalb County, GA - This week, former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond kicked off his campaign for Georgia Governor. Reporting on Mike’s launch highlighted his <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/08/how-michael-thurmonds-dekalb-roots-will-help-in-democratic-governors-race/">deep Georgia roots</a>, engagement with voters <a href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/democrat-michael-thurmond-georgia-governor-campaign-announcement">outside of metro Atlanta</a>, and <a href="https://metroatlantaceo.com/news/2025/08/candidates-georgia-governor-now-include-democrat-who-has-won-statewide/">record of winning</a> statewide elections.&nbsp; Coverage also highlighted Mike’s <a href="https://thechampionnewspaper.com/former-dekalb-ceo-enters-georgia-governor-race/">proven </a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-thurmond-governor-georgia-democrat-333e82505c2eb7ede947d0de5120f92c">ability </a>to fix broken institutions as a <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/08/michael-thurmond-enters-ga-governors-race-pledging-to-be-bridge-builder/">‘problem-solving ‘bridge-builder,’”</a> from stabilizing the DeKalb County School System as Superintendent when its accreditation was at risk and saving homeowners more than $1.6 billion as DeKalb County CEO to establishing the Georgia Works training program as Labor Commissioner and helping over 90,000 welfare-dependent families move into Georgia's workforce as Director of the Division of Family and Children’s Services. While Washington dysfunction allows the cost of living to skyrocket and extreme Republicans work to rip away 750,000 Georgians’ access to health care, Mike will put <a href="https://atlanta.capitalbnews.org/michael-thurmond-enters-georgia-governors-race/">‘Boots on Georgia Ground’</a> to <a href="https://www.11alive.com/video/news/local/michael-thurmond-enters-governors-race/85-7f8601f8-e2dc-4c3f-b30f-b0ca41d766ff">fight for working families</a> by <a href="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/former-dekalb-ceo-michael-thurmond-interview-campaign-georgia-governor/85-b80cc943-bef3-4d78-8b32-76f8877a7dc8">tackling soaring grocery and housing costs</a>, <a href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/08/06/michael-thurmond-announces-2026-georgia-governors-bid/">protecting and expanding Medicaid</a> and <a href="https://www.decaturish.com/voter_guide/former-dekalb-ceo-mike-thurmond-joins-governor-s-race/article_62863789-db20-4e9d-8064-551480e68590.html">defending our rural hospitals</a>, and <a href="https://www.wsbradio.com/on-air/mark-arum/">creating multiple pathways to success</a> for Georgia students. AP: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-thurmond-governor-georgia-democrat-333e82505c2eb7ede947d0de5120f92c">Democrat Michael Thurmond is running for Georgia governor, pledging to improve everyday lives</a> Democrat Michael Thurmond on Wednesday announced his 2026 bid for Georgia governor, seeking to add the state’s top office to the long list of positions he has held. Thurmond said in an interview Tuesday that he’s “going to fight for the people of Georgia every day,” but also pitching himself as someone who can bridge racial and political divides to become the first Democrat to win the state’s top office in 28 years. Thurmond promised to be a leader who “will focus on the everyday issues that most Georgians are concerned about — i.e. the cost of groceries or rent or paying the mortgage, access to health care and quite frankly ending divisiveness that has prevented us from progressing more in this state.” [...] Thurmond most recently served two terms as the elected CEO of DeKalb County, an Atlanta suburb that had $150 million in the bank when he left office. Before that, he was credited with stabilizing the DeKalb County school system as interim superintendent, after its accreditation agency threatened to strip its seal of approval, citing financial mismanagement, school board dysfunction and nepotism.&nbsp; [...] Both Bottoms and Esteves have showcased plans to oppose what they see as wrongheaded policies put forth by President Donald Trump, appealing to Democratic partisans who are fearful and angry. Thurmond says he too is a fighter, but frames it differently. “It’s not fighting Trump,” he said. “I’m going to fight for Georgia residents.” [...] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/08/michael-thurmond-enters-ga-governors-race-pledging-to-be-bridge-builder/">Michael Thurmond enters Ga. governor’s race pledging to be ‘bridge builder’</a> The former DeKalb County chief executive told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he sees himself as a problem-solving “bridge builder” who can create bipartisan coalitions to counter President Donald Trump’s policies. “We know that political pressure makes it very difficult in this environment for anyone to build consensus to address seemingly intractable issues,” he said. “But I believe we have to rise together to reject hyperpartisan nonsense.” Thurmond is vowing to use state resources to offset the federal cuts in the Trump-backed tax and spending law, which could strip hundreds of thousands of Georgians from Medicaid rolls and reduce food stamp benefits to help pay for extended tax cuts and new defense and immigration enforcement initiatives. [...] He’s drawn large crowds and applause even in deep-red areas. At a recent event in Cartersville, he won over an audience of hundreds with his call to bring more quality jobs to struggling communities. Stops like that one, he said in an interview, helped cement his decision. [...] “What I bring to this campaign is a history and record of taking on tough jobs, standing in the gap and finding innovative solutions to what some would consider to be intractable problems,” he said. <a href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/1687026">Fox 5</a> DEIDRA DUKES: Thurmond told me his deep Georgia roots, decades of public service, and ability to bring diverse communities together make him the best candidate to take on the Republicans in ‘26. Thurmond spent the past eight months traveling the state, talking to Georgians about the things they are most concerned about, like the economy, health care, and education.&nbsp; MIKE THURMOND: In order to solve these problems, we must rise together. Black and white, Hispanic, Latino, rich and poor, urban, rural, suburban – we all must put boots on Georgia ground to work together shoulder to shoulder. DEIDRA DUKES: Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson calls Thurmond's entry into the race a game-changer. THARON JOHNSON: We heard from him that he spent a lot of time going across the state of Georgia, listening to voters. I think that tells you right away what type of campaign he's going to run. He has a moderate lane that he's going to focus on, and he believes that it's going to take a base-plus strategy in order to win the nomination. <a href="https://www.wtoc.com/">WTOC 11</a> MADELINE HUNT: Thurmond has experience working at the state level. He was a Georgia House member and also served as labor commissioner from 1999 until 2011. Thurmond says he's prepared to fight for all families in Georgia. MIKE THURMOND: It’s not who you're fighting against. The real question is, who do you have the courage to fight for? Who are you fighting for? I will be fighting for families who are struggling to pay the rent. I will be fighting for families who are struggling to put food on the table or get to a hospital. <a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/former-dekalb-ceo-michael-thurmond-enters-georgia-governors-race/BGHABMCZJFCY3PYZ26PYJFUEJA/">Channel 2 News</a> MIKE THURMOND: The state of Georgia now has an opportunity to reimagine itself in a way that can help it to be more effective, more successful, and provide greater support for the millions of residents who call Georgia home. This is an opportunity for Georgia, but we have to embrace it. KARYN GREER: We're starting to look at a very crowded race. Quite a few people have already thrown their hats in the ring. What makes you different from these other candidates? MIKE THURMOND: Well, I share something with other candidates, and I think it's a joy and a love for this state, but what makes me different is that I'm not running on promises. I'm running on a record of service and a record of success, running on a record of having during difficult times, in moments of crisis and conflict, standing in the gap and creating innovative, creative solutions. People out there, regardless of party affiliation or color, they're worried about food on the table, being able to own a home that they can actually pay the rent for. People need to be heard, and I'm going to be that voice, and hopefully it will be a voice that will allow us to use the resources that we have and leverage them in a way that will allow more people to benefit from the greatness and the promise that is the state of Georgia. <a href="https://www.wsbradio.com/on-demand/mike-thurmond/7e5c8e50-eef3-4646-a2a1-51f07ad8bae9/">95.5 WSB “The Mark Arum Show”</a> MIKE THURMOND: The bottom line, people are tired of the foolishness. They want leaders who will focus on the kitchen table issues. The cost of groceries, skyrocketing rents, people unable to get access to affordable health care. They want to end the hyperpartisanship and put people before politics. ABOUT MIKE&nbsp;Mike Thurmond has dedicated his life to public service, building a distinguished record of fighting for working families and taking on tough jobs to help Georgians in need of support. A Clarke County native and the youngest of nine children, Mike learned the value of hard work and education from his family. Throughout his career in public service, from the Georgia General Assembly to Labor Commissioner and DeKalb County CEO, Mike has become Georgia’s go-to turnaround expert when institutions are broken and communities need results – not just promises. Whether it's eliminating multi-million-dollar deficits, modernizing outdated systems, or creating programs that support working families, Mike gets things done when others say it’s impossible. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia live up to its full promise.&nbsp;

DeKalb County, GA - This week, former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond kicked off his campaign for Georgia Governor. Reporting on Mike’s launch highlighted his <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/08/how-michael-thurmonds-dekalb-roots-will-help-in-democratic-governors-race/">deep Georgia roots</a>, engagement with voters <a href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/democrat-michael-thurmond-georgia-governor-campaign-announcement">outside of metro Atlanta</a>, and <a href="https://metroatlantaceo.com/news/2025/08/candidates-georgia-governor-now-include-democrat-who-has-won-statewide/">record of winning</a> statewide elections.

ICYMI: MIKE THURMOND LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR

Plan Could Put at Least $400 Million Back in Georgians’ PocketsDeKalb County, GA – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Mike Thurmond announced today his plan to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime earnings to put money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians. Mike is running for governor to put boots on Georgia ground in the fight to lower the cost of living so that working families can thrive.“As Governor, I will cut taxes on tips and overtime pay to provide immediate relief to working Georgians. I will put that money back in Georgians' pockets, because the best people to make decisions about how to spend their hard-earned dollars are working families, not politicians and bureaucrats," said Mike Thurmond.Mike's tax relief plan for working Georgians could eliminate approximately $400 million in state taxes on earnings derived from tips over a five-year period, according to Georgia State University’s Fiscal Research Center. This plan, which also includes the elimination of state taxes on overtime pay, will provide direct relief to the workers who need it most.Eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime will help families hold on to their money by providing critical and immediate increases to take-home pay for families struggling with the skyrocketing costs of food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities."I've spent my career eliminating budget deficits, improving the efficiency of governmental agencies, and delivering for Georgians,” said Thurmond. “This tax relief plan will provide a much-needed boost for the people who keep Georgia running — public safety personnel, nurses, restaurant workers, truck drivers, and tens of thousands of other workers who hustle for tips and pull overtime to make ends meet.”Mike, the former Chairman of the Georgia House’s Ways &amp; Means State Income Tax Subcommittee, is no stranger to delivering tax relief to hardworking Georgians. From authoring tax policy that saved Georgia seniors and families over $500 million in the General Assembly to passing legislation generating more than $1.6 billion in property tax relief for homeowners as CEO of DeKalb County, Mike has a proven record of passing tax policies that deliver real results for Georgia families and small businesses.Throughout his career, Mike has made government operations more efficient to better serve working Georgians. As Labor Commissioner, Director of Family and Children's Services, and Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, he transformed dysfunctional agencies, eliminated multimillion-dollar deficits, and modernized ​systems to help Georgians find good jobs, get a good education, and support their families.Mike understands that Georgia families can’t take another four years of leaders who put politics before people by rubber-stamping policies that allow the cost of living to skyrocket and create economic uncertainty. As Governor, he will champion fair, responsible tax policies that keep our promises to working families and seniors while making life more affordable for Georgians – just like he’s done throughout his career.ABOUT MIKEMike Thurmond has dedicated his life to public service, building a distinguished record of fighting for working families and taking on tough jobs to help Georgians in need of support. A Clarke County native and the youngest of nine children, Mike learned the value of hard work and education from his family. Throughout his career in public service, from the Georgia General Assembly to Labor Commissioner and DeKalb County CEO, Mike has become Georgia’s go-to turnaround expert when institutions are broken and communities need results – not just promises. Whether it's eliminating multi-million-dollar deficits, modernizing outdated systems, or creating programs that support working families, Mike gets things done when others say it’s impossible. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia live up to its full promise. Learn more at<a href="http://mikethurmond.com/"> </a><a href="http://MikeThurmond.com">MikeThurmond.com</a>.

DeKalb County, GA – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Mike Thurmond announced today his plan to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime earnings to put money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians. Mike is running for governor to put boots on Georgia ground in the fight to lower the cost of living so that working families can thrive.

MIKE THURMOND PROMISES TO ELIMINATE GEORGIA INCOME TAXES ON TIPS AND OVERTIME   

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DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced he will be running for Georgia governor in 2026.Just hours before the official announcement, Thurmond sat down exclusively with Channel 2’s Karyn Greer.

FORMER DEKALB CEO MICHAEL THURMOND ENTERS GEORGIA GOVERNOR'S RACE

COLUMBUS - On more than one occasion, Michael Thurmond has been brought in to fix something that was broken. In 2013, he was appointed interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School District after it nearly lost its accreditation for mismanagement.

CAN MICHAEL THURMOND BE GEORGIA DEMOCRATS' FIXER?

Mike Moore recently sat down with Black Georgia gubernatorial candidate Michael Thurmond. The former DeKalb County CEO is among several candidates who have qualified to run for the state’s top office. During the interview, Thurmond addressed a range of issues impacting residents across Georgia.

LISTEN: BIN EXCLUSIVE: MICHAEL THURMOND TALKS RUN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR

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Mike Thurmond released the following statement:“I commend Sens. Ossoff and Warnock for standing firm against Washington Republicans' attacks on our healthcare. This Senate compromise is buckling to Donald Trump's demands. It gives Republicans a path to raise healthcare costs for almost half a million Georgians and cut tens of thousands of jobs – all while families struggle to make rent and put food on the table under Trump's failing economy. As Governor, I will stand up to this chaos, protect our healthcare, and deliver the results Georgia families deserve.”

Mike Thurmond released the following statement: “I commend Sens. Ossoff and Warnock for standing firm against Washington Republicans' attacks on our healthcare. This Senate compromise is buckling to Donald Trump's demands."

STATEMENT FROM MIKE THURMOND ON SENATE REPUBLICANS' VOTE TO GUT GEORGIA HEALTHCARE

ATLANTA (AP) — Democrat Michael Thurmond on Wednesday announced his 2026 bid for Georgia governor, seeking to add the state’s top office to the long list of positions he has held. Thurmond said in an interview Tuesday that he’s “going to fight for the people of Georgia every day,” but also pitching himself as someone who can bridge racial and political divides to become the first Democrat to win the state’s top office in 28 years.

DEMOCRAT MICHAEL THURMOND LAUNCHES 2026 RUN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR

ATLANTA, GA – On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Mike Thurmond will join Hosea Helps, Inc. (formerly known as Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless) to distribute Georgia-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs to 500 local families who have been impacted by the government shutdown, loss of SNAP, and other federal assistance delays.This is a continuation of Mike's longstanding commitment to building broad coalitions, creating Georgia-based solutions, and putting boots on the ground for Georgia families in times of crisis.As CEO of DeKalb County, Mike launched a partnership with South Georgia farmers to buy and distribute boxes of fresh produce to food-insecure families impacted by the COVID pandemic. Since its launch in 2020, the program has distributed more than 170,000 boxes of produce to DeKalb families.WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025; 12:00 PMWHERE: 2545 Forrest Hills Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

ATLANTA, GA - On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Mike Thurmond will join Hosea Helps, Inc. (formerly known as Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless) to distribute Georgia-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs to 500 local families who have been impacted by the government shutdown, loss of SNAP, and other federal assistance delays.

MIKE THURMOND TO DISTRIBUTE GEORGIA-GROWN PRODUCE TO FOOD INSECURE FAMILIES WITH HOSEA HELPS

DeKalb County, GA - The Thurmond for Governor campaign announced today that Davan'te Jennings, President of the Georgia Young Democrats, has joined the campaign as a Senior Advisor. In this role, Jennings will support daily campaign operations and serve as an aide to Mike Thurmond as the campaign continues to build momentum across all 159 Georgia counties."I'm proud to welcome Davan'te Jennings to our campaign," said Mike Thurmond. "Davan'te has worked tirelessly to organize young voters and build grassroots support across Georgia, and that's the kind of energy and commitment this campaign is built on. Together, we're building a campaign that fights for working families, lowers costs, and protects the healthcare and education Georgians depend on."Jennings brings extensive grassroots organizing experience to the Thurmond campaign. His work mobilizing young voters and building coalitions across the state makes him well-suited to help engage the next generation of Georgia leaders."I'm honored to join the Thurmond campaign to put boots on Georgia ground and fight for our families," said Davan'te Jennings. "This is a critical moment for our state, and I'm excited to work alongside a leader who has spent his career delivering results. Together, we'll build a campaign that listens to working Georgians, fights for the issues that matter most, and opens doors for my generation to build a better future for ourselves and our communities."Mike's campaign continues to gain support from Georgians who are ready for a leader with the courage to tune out political nonsense, bring people together, and get results. With a proven record as Georgia's leading turnaround expert—eliminating deficits, modernizing broken systems, and delivering tax relief for working families—Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia live up to its full promise.ABOUT MIKEMike Thurmond has dedicated his life to public service, building a distinguished record of fighting for working families and taking on tough jobs to help Georgians in need of support. A Clarke County native and the youngest of nine children, Mike learned the value of hard work and education from his family. Throughout his career in public service, from the Georgia General Assembly to Labor Commissioner and DeKalb County CEO, Mike has become Georgia’s go-to turnaround expert when institutions are broken and communities need results – not just promises. Whether it's eliminating multi-million-dollar deficits, modernizing outdated systems, or creating programs that support working families, Mike gets things done when others say it’s impossible. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia live up to its full promise. Learn more at <a href="http://MikeThurmond.com">MikeThurmond.com</a>.

DeKalb County, GA - The Thurmond for Governor campaign announced today that Davan'te Jennings, President of the Georgia Young Democrats, has joined the campaign as a Senior Advisor. In this role, Jennings will support daily campaign operations and serve as an aide to Mike Thurmond as the campaign continues to build momentum across all 159 Georgia counties.

THURMOND FOR GOVERNOR SELECTS YOUNG DEMOCRATIC LEADER DEVAN'TE JENNINGS AS SENIOR ADVISOR

The former state labor commissioner and DeKalb CEO says his approach can expand Democrats’ reach in Trump’s second term. Democrat Michael Thurmond said Wednesday he is running for Georgia governor, pledging to fight the fallout from a Republican-backed tax and spending law that cuts Medicaid and public health programs.The former DeKalb County chief executive told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he sees himself as a problem-solving “bridge builder” who can create bipartisan coalitions to count