Brian Porter Kemp born November 2, is an American politician serving as the 83rd governor of Georgia since He is the first Republican since Reconstruction to be elected governor of Georgia who was not formerly a Democrat.
Kemp is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Before entering politics, he operated several businesses in agriculture, financial services, and real estate. Kemp ran for commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture in but lost the Republican primary. In , Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Kemp secretary of state. He was elected to a full term as secretary in and reelected in In , Kemp was criticized after a data breach of over six million voters' personal information to 12 organizations.
Kemp ran for governor in and faced Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams. He refused to resign as secretary of state while campaigning for governor, which stirred controversy and accusations of abuse of power from Democrats. Kemp narrowly won the general election and resigned as secretary of state shortly thereafter. In his reelection campaign, Kemp was challenged by former U. Senator David Perdue in the Republican primary. Although Trump endorsed Perdue, Kemp defeated him in a landslide.
Kemp was born in Athens, Georgia , the son of William L. Kemp II, into a prominent family with a history of political power.
Kemp's grandfather Julian H. Cox was a member of the Georgia Legislature. Kemp went [ when? He transferred [ when? Kemp was a home builder and developer before entering politics. He finished second in the primary, [ 22 ] but lost the runoff to Gary Black. Kemp rejects the conclusion by the United States Intelligence Community that Russia interfered in the election. After narrowly winning the gubernatorial election , Kemp resigned as secretary of state in anticipation of becoming governor. As evidence mounted that Russian hackers were attempting to disrupt the elections, President Obama directed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to work with states to secure their voting systems as "critical infrastructure.
