Georgia voters, candidates sound off ahead of November election

WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. — Georgia voters will soon decide who will lead several key state offices. Candidates for statewide office spoke directly with voters about their priorities at a Chatham Area Republican Women’s meeting on Wilmington Island.

For Puttie Potts, the conversation comes at a time when she says politics feels increasingly divided.

“I’m very upset about the extremes. We used to have Congress and state departments. All of that that actually talked together, compromised and got something done. We need that again,” said Potts, a member of Chatham Area Republican Women.

Potts urges voter participation

Potts said she wants people to listen and learn about the candidates and participate in the election.

“It’s not just a right, it’s a responsibility. We all need to vote otherwise we don’t have a say in what happens. I hope everybody, all parties, go out and vote. It’s important,” Potts said.

Labor commissioner candidates outline priorities

One of the candidates speaking Wednesday was Republican Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes. She told voters her focus is building tomorrow’s workforce. She also touted Georgia’s 13-year run as a top state for business.

“I’m a conservative leader. I’m here and delivering for Georgia, leading the largest modernization in state history at the Georgia Department of Labor. More Georgians than ever are working, and I’ve delivered on the promises. We’re going to continue building on this foundation,” Rivera Holmes said.

Rivera Holmes faces Democrat Nikki Porcher in the race for labor commissioner in November.

Porcher, the Democratic nominee for Georgia labor commissioner, provided the following statement:

I’ve spent this campaign traveling across Georgia, talking to people about what work actually looks like in their lives. And what I’ve learned is that people aren’t asking for anything complicated. They want to be able to find a good job, take care of their families, grow their businesses and know that when they need help, the Department of Labor is actually there to help them. That’s what this race is about for me. Georgia works because Georgians work, and I’m running to build a Georgia where work works for everyone.

Porcher, the Democratic nominee for Georgia labor commissioner

As Election Day approaches, voters say they’re looking closely at the candidates and the issues that matter to them.