David Wickert

David Wickert has been a reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010. He writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Washington state, Illinois, Virginia and Tennessee. He lives near Lilburn with his wife Shelly and their two children.

Latest from David Wickert

How an affordable housing bill became a tax break for the Georgia forestry industry

State lawmakers ended up approving more tax breaks than they eliminated. Here's how one tax break came to pass.

Georgia lawmakers vowed to cut tax breaks. They approved more instead.

An AJC analysis found the state Legislature approved more than $3 in new breaks for every $1 they cut.

Georgia begins issuing surplus tax refunds

Georgia begins issuing tax refunds of up to $500

People who paid state income taxes in 2024 and 2025 are eligible to receive up to $500. It's the fourth time in five years Georgia has issued special refunds.

‘You finally made it home’: U.S. Rep. David Scott remembered for faith, service

Friends, family and colleagues remembered U.S. Rep. David Scott as a man of faith who made a career of serving others.

Infighting, ‘Epstein’ pledge shape Georgia’s race for lieutenant governor

Republican candidates for Georgia lieutenant governor have mostly treated each other gently, while the top Democrats attack each other.

Four vie to become Georgia’s next attorney general

Georgia attorney general race attracts 4 lawyers pledging to fight crime.

Gerogia Elections - Agricultural Commissioner

Two Democrats running to challenge Harper as agriculture commissioner

Two Democrats and an incumbent Republican are vying to be Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture in the May 19 primary election.

10 compete to become Georgia’s next lieutenant governor

Seven Republicans and three Democrats are running to replace Burt Jones as Georgia's lieutenant governor.

Kemp’s gas tax suspension helped - but prices rose anyway

Georgia gas tax suspension helped, but prices rose anyway

Gov. Brian Kemp and the state Legislature’s decision to suspend the gas tax made a difference at the pump, a look at recent prices shows. But prices continue to rise.

Live updates: Freezing rain, sleet blanketing North Georgia

Georgians could see income, property tax relief in coming months

Political observers say many Georgia taxpayers will see a noticeable reduction in taxes in the years ahead thanks to bills that passed the General Assembly this year.