Rarely before has Georgia’s monthly unemployment rate been so anticipated, but Thursday’s release could influence next month’s gubernatorial election.

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal has campaigned extensively on his stewardship of Georgia’s economy. His Democratic opponent, Jason Carter, has repeatedly slammed Deal over Georgia’s high jobless rate.

Georgia notched an 8.1 percent rate in August — the highest in the nation.

The state’s unemployment rate has dropped slightly each of the last three Septembers. It rose slightly the preceding four Septembers.

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Trains line the tracks during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern has become a prominent corporate citizen in the metro region, donating millions to charitable causes. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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