Kemp Blocks Special Session as Bottoms Secures Victory
The outgoing governor declined to convene lawmakers for redistricting debates, leaving a financial question for the incoming administration.
By Andrew Hayes ·
Atlanta, Georgia, is set for a leadership change after Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican rival Rick Jackson in the gubernatorial race. The result flips the state’s executive branch to Democratic control for the first time since 1998, according to the National Governors Association. Bottoms secured the win early on election night, shifting the balance of power in the Peach State.
Outgoing Governor Brian Kemp (R) moved to preserve his legislative agenda by rejecting a request for a special session. The session had been proposed to limit executive authority and debate map changes. Kemp addressed the decision in a written statement released via CBS News.
Kemp stated, “I will not be calling a special session of the Georgia General Assembly in order to curtail executive branch powers or debate redistricting changes.” He added that the voters of the state have already spoken. The governor affirmed his commitment to secure, accessible, and fair elections, noting that he would abide by state laws and the constitution while in office.
The rejection leaves a potential gap in state financial planning. Kemp explicitly left open the possibility that lawmakers might need to address Georgia’s finances before January. This exception suggests that while political battles over power are paused, fiscal necessities may still require legislative action.
The dispute over redistricting traces back to June of this year. Kemp scheduled a session then after the Supreme Court struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act. He urged lawmakers to reconvene to revise or amend general laws regarding district divisions before 2028. Kemp argued the high court’s ruling requires new maps, but it was too late to redraw them for the May primaries.
Republican state lawmakers previously tabled the effort. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R) explained that the timing was not the right path forward for the state. Burns emphasized that changes to district maps impact every voter. He stated that voters deserve a thoughtful, fact-driven process. He shared plans for meetings to hear from the public on the issue.
Kemp acknowledged that redistricting efforts are ultimately the responsibility of the Georgia Legislature. He publicly disagreed with the decision to delay the work but accepted the division of labor. The legislative process regarding maps remains open, with lawmakers now tasked with determining the next steps for the 2028 cycle.
