ATLANTA — Former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has officially entered the race for Georgia governor. The 72-year-old Democrat made his announcement Wednesday morning, joining a growing primary field that includes former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and State Senator Jason Esteves.
Thurmond, who previously served three terms as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner, emphasized his long record of public service and leadership. He also ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2010.
In his announcement, Thurmond said he’s never backed down from tough challenges and believes his experience positions him to lead the state through critical issues.
He says he’s someone who can bridge racial and political divides to become the first democrat to win the state’s top office in 28 years.
He tells WSB Radio’s Mark Arum that he decided two years ago he’d like to run. He says he spent the last eight months traveling across the state asking Georgians what they want.
“They want to end the hyperpartisanship and put people before politics,” Thurmond remarks.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons and Ann Powell contributed to this story.
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