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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Microsoft's Fairwater data center is housed within this sprawling campus in Fayetteville, shown here in May. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez