Secretary of State Brian Kemp picked up a trio of endorsements on Friday, landing the support of Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, former Rep. Bob Barr and Athens media personality Barbara Dooley.

The three each called him a hard-working candidate with a conservative track record who is the right fit to succeed Gov. Nathan Deal. Dooley and her husband, former Georgia coach Vince Dooley, will also hold a Sept. 14 fundraiser for Kemp in Athens.

Kemp, an Athens businessman, faces three other leading Republicans in next year's GOP primary: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and state Sens. Hunter Hill and Michael Williams. Two Democrats - state Reps. Stacey Abrams and Stacey Evans - are in the contest.

About the Author

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC