Five Democrats Compete in Primary to Challenge Georgia Labor Commissioner
Five Democratic candidates compete in next week’s primary for the chance to challenge Georgia’s appointed Republican labor commissioner in November.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Five Democratic candidates are competing to challenge appointed Republican Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes in the May 19 primary election, as the state’s unemployment rate remains below the national average.
The Democratic candidates include Brett Hulme, Jason Moon, Nikki Porcher, Michelle “Michi” Sánchez, and Christian Wise Smith, all seeking to lead the Georgia Department of Labor, which handles unemployment benefits and workplace violation reports.
Current Labor Market Conditions
Georgia’s unemployment rate stood at 3.5% in March, which is 0.8% better than the national average but 0.1% higher than the previous year. Holmes, appointed by Republican Governor Brian Kemp in 2025 following the death of Commissioner Bruce Thompson, has highlighted the state’s employment growth.
“With the state labor force and employment both reaching all-time highs and unemployment falling across all metro areas and nearly all regional commissions, more Georgians are securing good-paying jobs that support families, build the future, and strengthen the communities they call home,” Holmes said in a statement Thursday.
Holmes made history as the first Latina to lead the Georgia Department of Labor when she was sworn in last year.
Democratic Candidates’ Focus
The five Democratic candidates told the Georgia Recorder in phone interviews that they would emphasize worker rights rather than corporate interests if elected. They also indicated they would focus on affordability issues affecting Georgia workers.
The Department of Labor typically comes into public view when problems arise, such as when workers lose jobs and need unemployment benefits or must report unpaid wages and other workplace violations. Six years ago, during the pandemic, the agency faced intense scrutiny when business shutdowns led to overwhelming demand for unemployment services, leaving many desperate residents struggling to get help from the department.
Stakes of the Election
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Holmes in the general election for a position that oversees employment services, workforce development programs, and labor law enforcement across Georgia. The role gained increased visibility during the pandemic when unemployment claims surged and processing delays became a significant public concern.
Georgia’s labor force and employment levels have both reached record highs under current leadership, according to Holmes’ recent statements. The state has seen unemployment rates decline across metropolitan areas and nearly all regional commissions.
The primary election is scheduled for May 19, with early voting already underway in many Georgia counties. The general election will be held later this year, when voters will choose between the Democratic primary winner and the incumbent Republican Holmes.
