2 Democrats running for Georgia governor talk affordability
Now that the 2025 elections are mostly over, the races for 2026 really heat up. And in Georgia the race for governor looms large.
Democratic state Reps. Ruwa Romman and Derrick Jackson talked to journalists Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy about their campaigns on Tuesday’s edition of the “Politically Georgia” podcast.
Romman argues her campaign sparked the election’s affordability debate.
The Duluth Democrat outlines her plans for expanding Medicaid, raising the minimum wage, reforming tax credits, and pushing corporations to “pay their fair share” as Georgians struggle with rising costs.
“We actually are already in the field door knocking … talking directly to voters who have been sharing with us how they have been struggling with bills going up,” she says.
Jackson says his military and corporate background uniquely qualify him to lead the state.
On the question of affordability, Jackson says that if elected, he plans to create state income tax exemptions for nurses, teachers, and seniors over 65. He also would aim to raise the minimum wage significantly.
The Tyrone Democrat criticized the inaction of past leaders on affordability, taking a swipe at Geoff Duncan, the state’s former Republican lieutenant governor who is now running for governor as a Democrat.
“When he had the opportunity as lieutenant governor, he did nothing about it,” says Jackson.
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About the Author
Natalie Mendenhall is an award-winning producer for the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She also steps in front of the mic, creating compelling segments for the show. Before joining the AJC, the Chicago native worked as a senior producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting.
