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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Hyundai says it plans to hire 3,000 more workers in Georgia and increase production to 500,000 units annually at the 16 million-square-foot factory it calls the Metaplant by 2028. (Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group)

Credit: Hyundai Motor Group

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com