Former DeKalb County, Georgia, CEO Michael Thurmond announced on Wednesday a Democratic gubernatorial campaign to succeed outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA).

Thurmond, who has also served as Georgia’s labor commissioner and superintendent for the DeKalb County School District, joins a crowded pack of Democratic candidates vying to flip the governorship ahead of the 2026 election. After more than four decades in politics, Thurmond said he has the experience necessary to win what will likely be a competitive campaign against Republican challengers in the swing state.