Georgia 2018: Meet the Republicans in the runoff for governor

The race for Georgia Governor in 2018 is wide open as Gov. Nathan Deal is set to depart the office after two terms.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is profiling candidates for governor. 

The race for the Republican nomination will head to a runoff with Lt. Gov, Casey Cagle facing off against Secretary of State Brian Kemp. The winner will face Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams. 

Casey Cagle - The Lt. Gov. has been planning his run for more than a decade. His fundraising and front-runner status has made him a target for the rest of the field. The son of a single mother, Cagle grew up poor in North Georgia. He’s taking partial credit for conservative policies enacted over the last 12 years as he fends off attacks. “Look at my record on pro-life. Look at my record on every conservative issue,” he said. “Don’t take the words of those that want to politicize something.”

Brian Kemp - The Secretary of State has put law and order at the center of his campaign. He wants to pass the most restrictive abortion rules in the nation and put the clamps on illegal immigration. “I’m all for accountability courts and helping those who need helping,” he said. “But for those who are here illegally, and not following the rules, we need to send them home.” His rivals point to blunders as the state’s top elections official, including his office accidentally disclosing the Social Security numbers and other private information of more than 6 million voters to media outlets and political parties.

Cagle and Kemp defeated Hunter Hill, Clay Tippins and Michael Williams.  

RELATED: Read about the Democratic nominee for governor