My name is Nikki Porcher, and I am asking for your vote and support.

I know what it means to work hard, face challenges, &amp; kep building

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Showing up in communities across Georgia to listen, learn, and talk honestly about work, labor, and opportunity.

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Nikki Porcher is a veteran, educator, and community advocate who has spent her life helping Georgians build stability through work.From serving in the U.S. Air Force and teaching in Georgia’s public schools, to leading a national nonprofit that has supported hundreds of small businesses across the country, she has seen what happens when people have access to opportunities and the challenges they face when they don’t.Now, Nikki is running for Labor Commissioner to ensure that Georgia’s Department of Labor truly works for everyone — workers, job seekers, and small business owners alike.

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Building a Georgia where work WORKS for everyone!

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Join us for a night of laughter supporting Nikki Porcher’s campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner.Friday, March 27 Manuel’s Tavern – Atlanta

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Find out what’s new with Nikki Porcher’s campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner. From announcements and press highlights, to short explainers on jobs, training, small business, and the Department of Labor.

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<h2 style="text-align: center">Access That Reaches People</h2>Nikki will modernize the Department of Labor so every Georgian can access the benefits, training, and job support they need, no matter their zip code, language, or circumstance. Under her leadership, the department will meet people where they are and make it easier for every worker and every family to get ahead.

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Your county will appear on our mapYou help us build statewide visibilityYou remind others in your community that they are not aloneYou help expand our reach into every corner of GeorgiaThere are blue dots in every red county, and people who often feel isolated. This map shows them: You’re not alone. We see you. You matter.

<h2>Meet Nikki Porcher</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/fa1a41ce-0f62-45da-ba5e-b211b77ec69a/fa1a41ce-0f62-45da-ba5e-b211b77ec69a.heic?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3024%2C4032&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Service runs deep in Nikki Porcher’s family. She knows the sacrifices that come with this uniform, and watching her son follow that same path is a moment she’ll always carry with her." align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="base">Service runs deep in Nikki Porcher’s family. She knows the sacrifices that come with this uniform, and watching her son follow that same path is a moment she’ll always carry with her.<h4>Nikki Porcher was raised to believe that when you see a problem, you don’t wait. You show up and do the work. That belief has guided her purpose, her decisions, and how she shows up for people daily.</h4>As a single mother, she learned the difference between looking for work with a degree and without one. After earning her college degree, she became a public school teacher, where she saw firsthand how far a teacher’s paycheck could and couldn’t stretch. She was also preparing her son for life after graduation, watching him face the same challenges that so many young people across Georgia encounter when searching for steady work.Nikki’s nonprofit and community work deepened her understanding of how strong communities are built through access, opportunity, and fairness. In Middle Georgia, she helped families achieve the dream of homeownership and supported caregivers navigating health challenges. Later, she built her own business and founded a national nonprofit network that has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs across the country gain access to funding, training, and certification programs generating millions in revenue and creating jobs within their communities.Because Nikki has lived these experiences, she sees the people who are too often overlooked. Whether you’re working a 9-to-5, holding down shifts, driving rideshare, caring for a family full-time, or piecing together jobs to get by, it’s all work. And no matter what it looks like, you deserve a Labor Commissioner who will ensure that work works for you.Georgia is known as one of the best place for business. Nikki believes it’s time for it also to be the best place to work, earn fair wages, and to build a future.<h3>As Georgia’s next Labor Commissioner, Nikki’s priorities are clear:</h3>Accessible Affordable Child Care Nikki believes that access to quality, affordable childcare is essential to a strong workforce. As Labor Commissioner, she’ll fight to make sure Georgia’s workforce policies support working parents and small businesses alike.Access that reaches people Modernize the Department of Labor so Georgians can easily get the benefits, training, and job support they need, without red tape or delays.Workforce development that works Create partnerships that lead to real jobs, modern skills, and livable wages that sustain families.Small businesses as job creators Ensure small businesses have the tools and resources to grow and create good jobs in every community.Fair pay and safe workplaces Protect workers’ rights, promote fair wages, and ensure every Georgian can work in a secure, respectful environment.Georgia deserves a Department of Labor that works for everyone. Nikki believes in this state and in the people who call it home, and she’s ready to do the work that lifts us all.Using military rank, job titles, and uniform photographs does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or the Department of the Army.

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These are the priorities that guide Nikki’s campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner.

A Georgia Where Work Works for Everyone!

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Nikki believes access to quality, affordable child care is essential to a strong workforce. As Labor Commissioner, she’ll fight to make sure Georgia’s workforce policies support working parents and small businesses alike.

Accessible Affordable Child Care

By partnering with schools, unions, and employers, Nikki will help Georgians gain the skills they need for real jobs with fair pay and long-term stability.

Workforce Development That Works

Small businesses keep Georgia’s economy strong. Nikki will champion them as key drivers of workforce growth and local opportunity.

Small Businesses as Job Creators

Every worker deserves to be treated with respect, paid fairly, and protected on the job. Nikki will make that a core standard for the Department of Labor.

Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces

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<h3>FAQ</h3>Q: Can I claim my county if I don’t live in Georgia? Yes. You can claim or adopt a rural county, the county where you grew up, or honor the county your family is from.Q: What if $159 isn’t accessible for me right now? You can support at any amount using the “Other” option. Every contribution helps fill the map.Q: Will I see my county appear immediately? Counties are updated regularly. You’ll see your county marked on the map soon after your contribution is processed.Q: Can I claim multiple counties? Absolutely. Some supporters choose to sponsor rural counties that need help getting claimed.Q: Why counties? Georgia’s recent statewide elections proved that counties shift when people feel seen. This map builds connection, visibility, and statewide momentum.

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Building a Georgia Where Work Works for Everyone. As Labor Commissioner, Nikki will fight for:

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Help us build a Georgia where work works for everyone. Whether you can make calls, knock on doors, host an event, or spread the word online, your time and energy make a real difference. When we show up together, we strengthen our communities and move Georgia forward.

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Counties highlighted on the map have been claimed by supporters across Georgia and beyond. New counties are added regularly as contributions are processed.

<h2 style="text-align: center">A Georgia Where Work Works for Everyone!</h2>These are the priorities that guide Nikki’s campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner.

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Georgia is a statewide community, comprising rural, suburban, and urban areas, and every county plays a part in shaping our economy, workforce, and future.Too often, people in certain counties feel invisible or overlooked. This initiative will change that.Every County Counts is a statewide movement designed to show visible support in all 159 counties. Supporters who give $159 can claim their county on our live map, making their county part of this growing movement.When your county is claimed, you’ll be helping build a Georgia where work works for everyone no matter where you live.

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“Georgia is where it all began for me. It’s where I started my business, raised my son, served in the military, found jobs and faced unemployment, taught, bought my first home, and built my life.Now, I’m ready to build a Georgia where work works for everyone.” — Nikki Porcher

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What the Labor Commissioner does when crisis hits, including rapid response, mass-layoff UI intake, and data-driven pathways back to work for families and employers.

What Does Georgia’s Labor Commissioner Do?

Meet Nikki Porcher, a veteran, former teacher, nonprofit founder, and community advocate running to become Georgia’s next Labor Commissioner. As the founder of Buy From A Black Woman, Nikki has spent years helping Georgians build stability through work, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunities across all 159 counties. Learn more about her story and her vision for a Georgia where work works for everyone.


Meet Nikki Porcher | Veteran, Educator & Candidate for Georgia Labor Commissioner

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Get the latest from Nikki Porcher’s Georgia Labor Commissioner campaign — news, events, policy updates, and ways to get involved statewide.

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Sign up to volunteer with Nikki Porcher’s campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner. Help build a Georgia where work works for everyone by joining Team Porcher to make calls, knock doors, host events, and support outreach across all 159 counties.


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Nikki Porcher is running for Georgia Labor Commissioner to build a Georgia where work works for everyone. A veteran, educator, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, Nikki has a proven record of supporting Georgia’s workers and small businesses. Learn more about her vision for modernizing our workforce, improving unemployment services, expanding opportunities, and strengthening communities across all 159 counties.


Nikki Porcher for Georgia Labor Commissioner | Building a Georgia Where Work Works for Everyone

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I didn’t arrive at this moment by accident. My path here was shaped by the many roles I’ve lived in Georgia’s workforce, roles that gave me a front-row seat to how our systems actually function for everyday people.I’ve lived many lives:<ul><li>I’ve been a veteran navigating my transition out of service without clear guidance.</li><li>I’ve been a teacher stretching my paycheck to feed both my son and hungry students.</li><li>I’ve been a single mom who learned how to make one paycheck do the work of three.</li><li>I’ve been unemployed and forced to navigate a confusing, outdated process just to survive.</li><li>I’ve been an employee, an employer, and a business owner who had to build opportunity from scratch because none was offered.</li></ul>These experiences didn’t break me, they informed me. They taught me how systems feel from the inside. They showed me where the gaps are. And they shaped how I approach solutions.<h2>Why Now: What Changed for Me</h2>For years, I did this work from the outside. I led a nonprofit focused on Black women business owners, taught classes, and helped people navigate systems that weren’t built for them.Then I sat with Project 2025.I didn’t just skim it, I read it in depth. I held classes to help people understand what it meant for their lives, their businesses, and their futures. And the more I studied it, the clearer it became that policies and plans like this don’t just live on paper. They show up in paychecks, in workplaces, in who gets hired, who gets protected, and who gets left behind.I realized that if people who understand the impact of these decisions aren’t in the room, the people I care about most will carry the consequences. And I also realized that at some point, advocacy isn’t enough, you have to step into the place where the rules are written. That’s why I chose this office and this moment.<h2>What I Built From Challenging Experiences</h2>Out of all the challenges I’ve encountered, I built something real and measurable. I founded and grew a national nonprofit that has generated over $6.2 million in documented economic impact for Black women business owners in just the last five years — and that number doesn’t reflect the full extent of our impact. That’s simply what we were able to track on paper. The real impact is larger: sales, contracts, opportunities, visibility, and stability that don’t always show up in a report.My work created programs, training, grants, and opportunities that changed economic outcomes for women across the country. It led to global partnerships with companies like Google, H&amp;M, Goldman Sachs, PayPal, and Mastercard, to name a few, partnerships earned through results, not connections.And when a global partnership no longer aligned with the community I was serving, I walked away. Because my community will always matter more than a logo or a headline. That’s how I make decisions: people first, always.<h2>My Leadership Has Been Recognized — Because the Impact Was Real</h2>I don’t lead for awards, but I won’t pretend they don’t matter. They are proof that my work reached people. Over the years, my work has been recognized with honors like:<ul><li>Thought Leader of the Year – twice</li><li>Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit</li><li>Achievement in Diversity &amp; Inclusion</li><li>Female Social Activist of the Year</li><li>Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit</li><li>Event of the Year</li></ul>I’ve also conducted and published research on the impact of DEI on business closures, research that has won awards and been cited by institutions and leaders trying to understand why equity isn’t a nice-to-have, but a key part of economic survival.These aren’t just lines on a resume. They’re confirmation that the work I’ve been doing — often without a title or a budget — is real, effective, and needed.<h2>Why This Office Matters to Me</h2>Through all of my experiences, I learned one thing clearly: Our systems don’t fail because people aren’t trying, they fail because they weren’t designed for regular people to succeed.I understand these systems because I’ve had to live in them. I’ve had to navigate them for myself and for others. And when they didn’t work, I built alternatives that did. These lived experiences, combined with the systems I’ve built and the impact I’ve had, shape the perspective that I bring to this office.<h2>My Honest Truth</h2>What brings me to this moment isn’t perfection. It’s preparation. It’s perspective. It’s lived experience turned into leadership.I know hard things. I know community. I know what it takes to build something that serves people, not just processes.I’ve done this work without a state budget, without a government office, and without the power of a statewide platform. Now I’m ready to do it with all of these things in service to the people of Georgia.<h2>Join This Movement</h2>If you read this and thought, “This feels familiar,” or “This sounds like my story too,” then you’re exactly who I’m thinking about with this work.Georgia deserves a Labor Commissioner who understands the system because she’s lived in it, and who has a track record of building programs, partnerships, and opportunities that actually work for people. So if you believe in this mission, I’m asking you to invest in it.It takes resources to compete in a race like this. It takes investment to put someone with real lived experience and real results in a position that has real power.Chip in $25, $50, $100, $250, or $1,000 to Porcher for Georgia. Every contribution helps us reach more voters, tell the truth about this system, and build a Georgia where work works for everyone.<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/voteporcher4ga">Donate now</a> and help build the Georgia we all deserve.

I didn’t arrive at this moment by accident. I’ve lived multiple sides of Georgia’s workforce, so I know how our systems feel from the inside and where they need to be fixed.

Why I’m Running for Georgia Labor Commissioner

I didn’t arrive at this moment by accident. My path here was shaped by the many roles I’ve lived in Georgia’s workforce, roles that gave me a front-row seat to how our systems actually function for everyday people. Through all of my experiences, I learned one thing clearly: Our systems don’t fail because people aren’t trying, they fail because they weren’t designed for regular people to succeed. Which is why I want to build a Georgia where work works for everyone.

Why I’m Running for Labor Commissioner

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/153d23e9-3659-4f9b-aace-ffaa173da81e/153d23e9-3659-4f9b-aace-ffaa173da81e.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C628&amp;w=1500" alt="Atlanta skyline with view of Georgia state Capitol building" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">If you have ever tried to figure out where to report a workplace issue, you know how confusing it can be. One agency handles safety. Another handles discrimination. Another handles wages. The state manages unemployment. Your city hosts job fairs.And none of them explains the system clearly.The truth is that Georgia’s workplace rules originate from several different levels of government — federal, state, and local. Knowing who controls what helps you solve problems faster and hold the right leaders accountable. It also highlights why Georgia needs a more coordinated and modern workforce system.<h2>Federal Baselines and Rights</h2>Many of the floor protections that apply across all states are set in Washington DC:<ul><li>Job discrimination (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission): The EEOC handles federal discrimination charges (including those for race, sex, disability, age, etc.).</li><li>Organizing and collective action (National Labor Relations Board): The NLRB enforces the right of most private-sector employees to organize and engage in concerted activity to improve their conditions.</li><li>Wages and overtime (U.S. Department of Labor Wage &amp; Hour Division): Federal law sets the national minimum wage and overtime rules. Georgia’s state law lists $5.15/hour as the minimum wage, but most employers must follow the federal minimum of $7.25/hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act.</li><li>Workplace safety (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Georgia does not operate its own OSHA program; therefore, federal OSHA handles safety enforcement for most private-sector workplaces in the state. By law, federal OSHA generally does not cover state or local government employees in states without a “state-plan” OSHA program. That means public-sector workers in Georgia typically rely on their agency’s safety policies, rather than the state process OSHA, for enforcement.</li></ul><h2>State Administration, Access, and Authority</h2>Georgia’s state government oversees the implementation of many of these protections on a day-to-day basis.<ul><li>Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL): The GDOL administers unemployment insurance, gathers labor market data, enforces child labor laws, and refers workers to training programs. The elected Labor Commissioner leads GDOL and is responsible for upholding the laws that the department oversees.</li><li>Workforce training: The Technical College System of Georgia's Office of Workforce Development administers federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs under the WorkSource Georgia banner.</li><li>Workers’ compensation: The State Board of Workers’ Compensation governs benefits, medical coverage, and dispute processes for workers who are injured on the job.</li><li>Right-to-work &amp; State Preemption. Georgia law prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment and prevents local governments from establishing higher local wage standards or paid leave requirements for private employers unless state law permits it.</li></ul><h2>Local Governments</h2>Local governments cannot set most workplace rules, but they support workers and employers through:• WIOA intake and training referrals • Job fairs and hiring events • Resume and digital skills workshops • Small business licensing and permitting • Partnerships with libraries, schools, chambers, and nonprofitsThey help people access services but federal and state agencies set the rules.<h2>Why the Current System Isn’t Working</h2>Georgia’s workforce system is fragmented. Unemployment is handled in one place, while training and career services are handled in another, and local partners are left to fill the gaps. In a state with 159 counties, that means access is uneven, and too many Georgians struggle to get the help they need.You can see it in the decline of basic infrastructure. In 2008, the Georgia Department of Labor operated 53 career centers across the state. Today, only 34 remain, leaving many communities without a reliable in-person access point. And Georgia’s labor force participation rate has stalled at around 60 percent, not because people don’t want to work, but because too many Georgians face barriers such as childcare, transportation, and limited access to training. When workforce services are scattered across agencies with no clear front door, people fall through the cracks instead of being guided back into the workforce.These are not signs of a strong system. They are signs of one that has been allowed to shrink and drift apart.Georgia doesn’t need fewer workforce partners; it needs stronger coordination among them. The Department of Labor should serve as the statewide hub that helps people understand their options and move toward work more quickly, while WorkSource Georgia, TCSG, and local workforce boards continue to deliver the training and services they specialize in.This isn’t about pointing fingers, it’s about building a modern, coordinated system that finally meets the needs of real people.<h2>How to Use This Info as a Georgia Voter</h2>Match the problem to the right agency: • Wage theft → Wage &amp; Hour Division • Safety concerns → OSHA • Discrimination → EEOC • Unemployment → GDOL • Training → WorkSource GeorgiaWatch state preemption: If your city wants stronger worker protections but cannot pass them, it is because state law blocks them.Follow the training dollars: WorkSource Georgia boards decide how federal WIOA funds are spent. Ask which programs actually lead to real jobs in your region.Know your Commissioner: The Labor Commissioner determines how unemployment works, how data is collected and disseminated, and how responsive the state’s workforce system is.<h2>Why This Work Matters And Why I’m Running</h2>I’ve lived and worked in Georgia long enough to understand how much it matters when a system works and how quickly things fall apart when it doesn’t. I’ve been a worker, a veteran, a teacher, and a small-business owner. I’ve experienced the frustration of seeking help and finding only confusion. And I’ve spent years developing statewide programs that demonstrate what happens when people receive clear information, genuine support, and a clear path forward.That’s why I’m running. Georgia deserves a Department of Labor that meets people where they are and helps them move toward their goals. A department that supports workers and employers, connects communities, and brings dignity back to the process.My vision is simple: A Department of Labor that helps Georgians transition from unemployment to opportunity through one clear, connected, and easy-to-navigate system.If you believe Georgia deserves a workforce system that works for everyone, I’m asking you to join me.<h2>Donate to Porcher for Georgia</h2>Your investment of $100, $250, or $1,000 helps us reach more Georgians and build a modern, coordinated workforce system that truly serves this state.Donate today at <a href="http://VotePorcher4GA.com">VotePorcher4GA.com</a>.<h4> Sources</h4>Georgia Department of Labor, Career Center Locations (accessed 2025). New Georgia Encyclopedia, “Georgia Department of Labor” (Career Center operations, 2008). Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), Labor Force Participation Rate: Georgia (2025).

Learn who handles what when it comes to work in Georgia. From state vs. federal (WHD, OSHA, EEOC, NLRB) to local roles, so you can match your issue to the right office.

Who Really Makes the Rules About Work in Georgia

If you have ever tried to figure out where to report a workplace issue, you know how confusing it can be. Different agencies handle different issues, and they all use different systems. But being informed will help you match your issue to the right office.

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Who Really Makes the Rules About Work in Georgia?

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/3508254b-c1a0-410a-a5d7-5a519393bba2/3508254b-c1a0-410a-a5d7-5a519393bba2.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C628&amp;w=1500" alt="glass coin jar with the label &quot;donate&quot; on it" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">When I talk to people across Georgia, one of the first questions I hear is, “Does my $25 even make a difference?” The truth is it does. Every conversation we spark, every voter we reach, every family that finally learns how the Department of Labor impacts their paycheck, all of that is powered by people like you.Running a campaign is about more than slogans or speeches, it's about building the structure that allows a message to reach people. In Georgia, that structure is funded by people, it’s the neighbors, small-business owners, teachers, veterans, caregivers, and community members who believe in leadership that reflects them. Understanding how campaigns are funded helps make the process more transparent and shows how every contribution large or small&nbsp;keeps democracy working.<h2>How Campaigns Are Funded</h2>Campaigns are supported through several types of contributions:<ul><li>Individual donations: The most common and direct way people show support for a candidate.</li><li>Organizations and PACs: Groups that contribute within state limits, often to advocate for shared values or policies.</li><li>Candidate contributions: Funds a candidate personally invests to start or strengthen their campaign.</li><li>In-kind support: Donated goods or professional services such as event space, design, or printing.</li><li>Volunteer time: Not counted as a dollar amount, but essential to every campaign’s success.</li></ul>Each campaign chooses how to balance these sources. Ours relies most heavily on individuals, the everyday Georgians whose lived experience informs this movement.<h2>What Campaign Funds Actually Support</h2>Money raised in a campaign doesn’t go to luxuries, it goes toward the tools and resources needed to reach voters responsibly and legally. For a statewide race, that includes:<ul><li>Voter education: Creating clear, accessible information about jobs, wages, and the role of the Labor Commissioner.</li><li>Community outreach: Hosting town halls, listening sessions, and roundtables across Georgia.</li><li>Accessibility and inclusion: Translating materials, expanding rural outreach, and ensuring every community can participate.</li><li>Operations and compliance: Filing reports, maintaining transparency, and meeting state requirements.</li></ul>Fundraising is what allows a campaign to move from good ideas on paper to real conversations in communities.<h2>Why Donations Matter</h2>Large races often attract national attention, while others like Labor Commissioner, rarely do&nbsp; even though they directly affect how we work and how our families are supported. That’s why individual participation matters so much. Every contribution helps ensure voters across Georgia understand what this office does and how strong leadership can make a difference in their daily lives.<h2>Building a Transparent, People-Powered Campaign</h2>This campaign is designed to stay accountable to the people who fund it. When Georgians contribute, they’re not giving to a person, they're investing in clearer communication, stronger workforce systems, and a more responsive government. Every dollar helps us inform, engage, and empower voters statewide.<h2>Be Part of It, Donate to Porcher For Georgia</h2>If you believe Georgia deserves a Labor Department that works for everyone, you can play a direct role in shaping that future. Contribute if you’re able, share information about our campaign, or volunteer your time every action moves this campaign forward.<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/voteporcher4ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Donate to the campaign</a>.

Learn how political campaigns are funded, where donations go, and how your contribution can power Nikki Porcher’s campaign.

How Donations Help Fund Political Campaigns

Running a campaign is about more than slogans or speeches, it's about building the structure that allows a message to reach people. In Georgia, that structure is funded by people. Understanding how campaigns are funded helps make the process more transparent and shows how every contribution, large or small,&nbsp; keeps democracy working.

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/b377a26a-0cee-4c79-89ca-03123f46234f/b377a26a-0cee-4c79-89ca-03123f46234f.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1080&amp;w=1500" alt="Nikki Porcher's &quot;Every County Counts&quot; badge" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="30" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Georgia Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher has launched Every County Counts, a comprehensive initiative spanning 159 counties to connect with workers, families, and small businesses across the state. The program enables supporters to "claim their county" and showcases Porcher's commitment to expanding opportunities statewide. This announcement marks a major milestone in her campaign. Read the full press release <a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/nikki-porcher-launches-statewide-every-county-counts-initiative-as-part-of-her-campaign-for-georgia-labor-commissioner-302621407.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher unveils 159-county engagement effort as her campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner enters its next phase.

Nikki Porcher Announces Statewide “Every County Counts” Initiative As Campaign Enters Its Next Phase

Today Nikki Porcher announced the next major phase of her campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner: the "Every County Counts" initiative. A statewide, 159-county engagement and fundraising initiative that aims to highlight supporters who often feel isolated in their communities, especially in small or rural counties .

Nikki Porcher Announces Statewide “Every County Counts” Initiative As Campaign Enters Its Next Phase

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Laughs for Labor: Comedy Night with Chanel Ali

Join us for a night of laughter and community as we support Nikki Porcher’s campaign for Georgia Labor Commissioner on Friday, March 27, at Manuel's Tavern for a special stand-up performance by comedian Chanel Ali.Food and drinks will be available for purchase at Manuel’s Tavern. Please support the bar while you’re there.

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/b5ab4c87-054f-4332-842f-6bd5083ede2c/b5ab4c87-054f-4332-842f-6bd5083ede2c.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=400%2C801%2C3884%2C4911&amp;w=1500" alt="Nikki Porcher Future Georgia Labor Commissioner at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C." caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I almost did not go. As a first-time candidate running for public office, I debated whether attending the National Prayer Breakfast was the right decision, especially in this political moment. Each day brought new headlines about immigration raids, mounting investigations, and rhetoric that demeaned women and deepened division. I questioned whether showing up would mean compromising my values.I decided to attend anyway. Not because I agreed with everything associated with the event, but because I wanted to understand how power actually works in America. I wanted to see it for myself.What I expected was discomfort. What I encountered was clarity.My first event was a women’s tea. I met women who were supportive of me being there. They prayed over my campaign and my election. One woman from Georgia told me plainly, “I can vote for you, and I will.” It felt sincere and grounding.That sense of openness followed me into the opening dinner that evening. Seating was unassigned. I sat at a table of men who told me they were from an American city, but throughout the dinner, they spoke Ukrainian. The conversation was polite but distant. The main dish was chicken, which I do not eat, so I was served ravioli instead. The food was forgettable. The evening itself felt carefully neutral.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/1532247d-9616-4245-a4c4-ec4a116463c1/1532247d-9616-4245-a4c4-ec4a116463c1.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3024%2C3783&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">The next morning was the Prayer Breakfast.Security was intense. The room was oversold. My table was pushed to the back and tightly packed. The food was cold, bland, and clearly beside the point. It became obvious that the breakfast was not about the breakfast.&nbsp;Before the event, I was stopped by a woman who introduced herself as another candidate. She talked about how isolating this process can be and how we could support one another, even though we live in different states. Later, another woman learned that I lived in Georgia, referred to my senator as “Warlock,” and told me to trust my gut. As those conversations unfolded, I overheard someone casually discussing a visit to Mar-a-Lago and inviting others to an international prayer breakfast in Jerusalem. That was my cue to step away.What stayed with me most were the fundraising conversations.When people learned I was running for office, they asked what office I was running for. Then they asked how they could support me. Some asked about maximum donation limits. Others mentioned political action committees. What they did not ask was why I was running. They did not ask what I believed. They did not ask why now. There was no curiosity about the work itself. There was no interview.<h2>Support was assumed simply because I was in the room.</h2>Then they saw the donation link.“Are you a Democrat?” one man asked.When I said yes, his posture shifted. He withdrew his offer of support.This happened more than once.What struck me was not hostility. It was conditional access. Interest existed until party affiliation entered the conversation. Not because of my platform. Not because of my qualifications. Simply because of the letter next to my name.During the President's remarks, the audience was filled with smiles, nods, and applause, even as demonstrably false statements were made. At one point, it was suggested that anyone who believed in God could not vote for a Democrat, and that Democrats should not even be in the room. The audience responded with laughter and agreement.<h2>What became clear to me was that this was not about faith. It was about permission.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/095921ab-78e1-442b-8b58-2d1f1262d193/095921ab-78e1-442b-8b58-2d1f1262d193.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C2223%2C3024%2C1402&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">In American politics, Republicans are often pre-approved. Their proximity to power is assumed. Their fundraising ability is trusted. Democrats, especially down-ballot, first-time, or working-class candidates, are expected to prove themselves before being taken seriously.And proving yourself costs money.In my state, it costs about $4,100 just to get on the ballot. Statewide races routinely require between $800,000 and $1 million to be considered viable. Meanwhile, a gubernatorial candidate can self-fund $50 million, far more than the office will ever pay.We are living through a moment where there is extensive public evidence, ongoing investigations, and documented abuses of power connected to the highest levels of government. In any other system, this conduct would have disqualified someone from leadership. Instead, money has insulated it. Donations have normalized it. Power has protected itself.This is how elections become the domain of the wealthy and the connected. This is how billionaires gain more influence than voters.What I witnessed at the National Prayer Breakfast was not a conspiracy. It was something more familiar and more troubling. A system where money buys access, patience, and credibility. Where belief matters less than alignment. Where power protects itself quietly and efficiently.I am running for office because I believe the government should work for people who do not have PACs, donor networks, or millions to spend. But this experience helped me understand why so few people like me ever make it into these rooms. Some do not even know rooms like this exist.If we want a democracy that reflects the people it serves, we must confront the reality that our current system was not built for them. Until we do, elections will continue to be less about ideas and more about who can afford to belong.<h2>I haven’t slept a full night since attending the National Prayer Breakfast.</h2>The experience was eye-opening and heavy in ways I’m still processing. But it clarified something essential: if I am going to step into rooms like this, it will be with the people of Georgia.Faith conversations matter. But so do the systems that determine whether people can find work, keep their jobs, care for their families, and live with dignity. That is the lens I carry with me as I run for Georgia Labor Commissioner.What is clear to me now is this: running in this moment is not a mistake. It matters.Georgia needs leadership that is centered on the people of Georgia — not personal agendas, not proximity to power, and not loyalty tests disguised as faith.Running for office costs money. That’s the part people don’t always talk about. And that reality is not accidental. It is one of the ways everyday people are kept out of leadership.I am building a people-powered campaign funded by everyday people in Georgia and across the country. My goal is simple:&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/monthly50" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2,000 people giving $25 a month</a>.&nbsp;Enough to build a campaign that answers to voters, not donors seeking access.If you believe leadership should look more like the people it serves, I invite you to be part of this work. I’ve started a public tracker so we can build it together.<a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/monthly50" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Donate using this link.</a> Thank you for helping me carry Georgia into rooms where decisions are made and for insisting that the people of this state belong there, too.

 Georgia statewide candidate, Nikki Porcher, shares what she witnessed inside the National Prayer Breakfast and how faith, money, and power intersect in politics.

What the National Prayer Breakfast Revealed About Power in Georgia

When people learned I was running for office, they asked what office I was running for. Then they asked how they could support me. Some asked about maximum donation limits. Others mentioned political action committees. What they did not ask was why I was running. They did not ask what I believed. They did not ask why now. There was no curiosity about the work itself. There was no interview. Support was assumed simply because I was in the room.

What the National Prayer Breakfast Revealed About Power

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Georgia has 159 counties, and every single one deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Join Nikki Porcher for the official kickoff of Every County Counts her statewide initiative to bring visibility, connection, and resources to all 159 counties.During this virtual event, Nikki will share her vision for Georgia’s workforce, key insights from her statewide listening tour, and how you can help support your county. She’ll also reveal the new 159-county map and take live questions.This event is free and open to the public. RSVP to save your seat.

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Every County Counts: Virtual Campaign Kickoff

Georgia has 159 counties, and every single one deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Join Nikki Porcher for the official kickoff of Every County Counts — her statewide initiative to bring visibility, connection, and resources to all 159 counties.

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/814fc090-f653-4462-b20d-52296180ba69/814fc090-f653-4462-b20d-52296180ba69.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1536%2C1024&amp;w=1500" alt="illustration of people lining up to get help from a worker at a help desk" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">When a plant closes or a storm tears through the state, I think about the faces I’ve seen in those first days — the line at a career center, a mom at the kitchen table sorting papers, a small-business owner wondering how to keep staff. As a community advocate who has connected families across Georgia to housing, resources, and job opportunities, I’ve learned that the difference between a short setback and a drawn-out recovery is what happens right away, and whether people know exactly where to go for help. That’s why the Department of Labor needs to offer clear steps, fast answers, and real pathways back to work, especially during times of crisis. Here’s what that should look like in Georgia.<h2>What the Labor Commissioner leads in a crisis</h2><ul><li>Rapid response for affected workers: On-site or virtual sessions (often with local workforce boards) to deliver immediate Unemployment Insurance (UI) guidance, resume help, job referrals, and fast-track training options tied to real openings.</li><li>Mass-layoff UI intake: Streamlined unemployment insurance processing for large groups, so benefits can be paid quickly and appeals handled fairly.</li><li>Jobs, training, and skills data: Clear county/region snapshots highlighting how many workers were affected, which occupations were hit, where matching jobs exist, and which training seats are available.</li><li>Public communication: Plain-language updates on who qualifies for what, how to apply, and when/where help desks and hiring events are happening.</li><li>Employer coordination: Guidance on separations, compliance, and hosting hiring fairs or on-site events; as well as rapid-response support during closures to meet notice requirements.</li></ul>In terms of a timeline, from Day One to Day 30, this is what you can expect to see:<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/ef978d6b-1fe7-4dc5-aee6-260e0d1580f2/ef978d6b-1fe7-4dc5-aee6-260e0d1580f2.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C901&amp;w=1500" alt="Response from Labor Department during mass-layoffs and emergencies" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" variant="base"><h2>If you’re a worker</h2><ol><li>Apply for unemployment insurance immediately: Don’t wait for your last check, file as soon as you’re separated.</li><li>Attend a layoff support session: Here you should get UI guidance, job referrals, and training options that lead to real jobs.</li><li>Use career centers and job tools: You should be able to get support with resume reviews, interview prep, as well as access to curated hiring events, and state job boards to speed your search.</li><li>Ask about training referrals: If a credential is your bridge back to work, you should be able to request a WorkSource Georgia referral.</li></ol>For any layoff support sessions and clinics, bring your photo ID, last pay stub, separation notice (if any), work history, and direct-deposit info.<h2>If you’re an employer planning a layoff or closure</h2><ol><li>Notify early and coordinate: Early notice enables on-site rapid response and smoother UI processing (larger layoffs may trigger WARN requirements).</li><li>Share accurate separation info: Clear, timely records reduce claim errors and speed payments.</li><li>Host on-site support: Allow GDOL/workforce partners to meet employees before the last day to file UI, schedule resume help, and discuss training options.</li><li>Connect to jobs: Co-host hiring fairs, and share vendor and nearby-employer contacts so workers can land jobs quickly.</li></ol><h2>If you’re a local leader or partner</h2><ol><li>Provide space and signal-boost: Host rapid-response sessions, while also sharing the official resource hub.</li><li>Align training seats: Work with workforce boards and technical colleges to fund short, in-demand programs.</li><li>Track outcomes: Request updates on UI timeliness, job placements, and training enrollments so the community can see progress.</li></ol><h2>Why this is personal to me</h2>I’ve worked with with families who have lost work overnight. I’ve stood with small-business owners deciding whether they could keep one more person on payroll. And I’ve watched communities move faster and recover faster when they get the right support, quickly and efficiently. That’s the standard I’ll set: modern systems, honest data, and everyone pulling in the same direction so help arrives when people need it, not weeks later. This is the kind of system I’m committed to building — one that moves quickly, communicates clearly, and supports people instead of confusing them.<h2>Donate to Porcher For Georgia</h2>If you found this article helpful, invest $100, $250, or $1,000 to help us reach more Georgians and build a workforce system that works for everyone. <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/voteporcher4ga">Donate to the campaign</a>.

The Labor Commissioner’s Role During Plant Closures, Layoffs & Disasters

When a major employer shuts down or a storm hits, the Labor Commissioner's leadership and policies can be the difference between a temporary setback and a months-long gap in income for families. This post breaks down what the Labor Commissioner actually does when crisis hits.

The Labor Commissioner’s Role During Plant Closures, Layoffs &amp; Disasters

Why a plan’s success must be measured in practice, not just on paperA woman I recently spoke with lost her job and applied for unemployment benefits. She waited more than two months for a response. When she finally heard back, her claim was denied, not because she was ineligible, but because her last name did not match the records on file.She had changed her name after getting married.What followed was not guidance or a clear fix. It was delay after delay. Trouble scheduling an appointment. No explanation of what needed to be corrected or how long it would take. A routine life change became an administrative dead end that she kept trying to navigate until the effort itself became intolerable.Eventually, she stopped. Not because she did not qualify or did not need help, but because the process wore her down.That detail matters, not because it is dramatic, but because it is ordinary. Name changes, address updates, and job transitions are common parts of adult life. Systems meant to support workers should expect them.Recently, the Georgia Department of Labor released a <a href="https://dol.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-12-23/fighting-forward-new-strategic-plan-georgia-workers-and-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">strategic plan</a> outlining long-promised improvements to unemployment services and workforce systems. The goals are familiar: clearer communication, fewer steps, better service. After years of frustration, many people want to believe this moment marks a turning point.But plans do not operate in theory. They operate inside systems, and systems meet people where real life happens.For years, workers and small business owners have encountered <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/07/expected-budget-cuts-may-further-slow-georgias-unemployment-claim-process/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">labor systems that struggle</a> to account for normal transitions such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or temporary gaps in employment. When those realities are treated as exceptions instead of expectations, access becomes fragile. Delays multiply. Confusion spreads. And people who did nothing wrong find themselves stuck.Large public systems are difficult to change. Updating old technology takes time. Balancing speed, accuracy, and fraud prevention requires care and planning. No serious observer expects overnight transformation.What people do expect is that systems function responsibly while change is underway. Routine issues should not become prolonged obstacles. Clear explanations should not be rare. The path forward should not require guesswork.The timing of reform also matters because leadership matters.Georgia is one of the few states where voters elect their Labor Commissioner rather than having the position appointed. That structure reflects a core democratic principle: leadership of essential systems is <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/10/holmes-defends-brief-tenure-as-democrats-eye-labor-commissioner-post/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accountable to the public.</a> It also means leadership can change, by design.When major reforms stretch across election cycles, continuity cannot be assumed. New leaders must take time to understand existing systems, contracts, staffing realities, and unresolved challenges before moving forward. That learning period is not a disruption. It is responsible stewardship. But reform efforts that rely on uninterrupted leadership risk slowing at precisely the moment stability is most needed.Sustainable change requires more than a vision tied to a timeline. It requires systems that are documented, transparent, and resilient enough to continue through leadership transitions regardless of who holds office.The Labor Commissioner’s office rarely draws sustained public attention, despite its direct impact on jobs, income, and economic stability. Over the past 20 years, that low visibility has shaped how the office operates. Warnings about outdated systems and promises of modernization have surfaced again and again, while many of the same challenges have remained. When an office that affects daily life operates largely out of view, expectations soften, accountability thins, and problems are allowed to persist far longer than they should.Public systems do not belong to administrations or individuals. They belong to the people who rely on them.The woman whose unemployment claim stalled over a name change did not fail. The system did.A labor system should not test endurance. It should recognize real life, respond clearly, and keep people moving forward.That is the standard Georgia’s workers deserve.

Recently, the Georgia Department of Labor released a strategic plan outlining long-promised improvements to unemployment services and workforce systems. The goals are familiar: clearer communication, fewer steps, better service. And after years of frustration, many people want to believe this moment marks a turning point.

The Cost of Inattention in Georgia’s Labor System

Join The Self Preservation Society for a community dialogue with Georgia Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher focused on work, labor, and how Georgia’s workforce systems show up in real people’s lives.This conversation creates space for workers, small business owners, and community members to share what’s working, what isn’t, and what dignity at work looks like across Georgia’s 159 counties. The dialogue will center lived experience, well-being, and the role labor systems play during moments of transition, instability, and recovery.

Community Dialogue at The Ke’Nekt Hosted by The Self Preservation Society

Join The Self Preservation Society for a community dialogue with Georgia Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher focused on work, labor, and how Georgia’s workforce systems show up in real people’s lives.This conversation creates space for workers, small business owners, and community members to share what’s working &amp; what isn’t.

Community Dialogue at The Ke’Nekt

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/a38eb6a3-5899-4b88-932e-ad9ab4958e4e/a38eb6a3-5899-4b88-932e-ad9ab4958e4e.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1592%2C2396&amp;w=1500" alt="U.S. Air Force Veteran and Georgia Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher at the Capitol after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race" caption="U.S. Air Force Veteran and Georgia Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher at the Capitol after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">U.S. Air Force Veteran and Georgia Labor Commissioner candidate Nikki Porcher at the Capitol after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner raceAtlanta, GA – March 5, 2026 – <a href="https://www.voteporcher4ga.com/">Nikki Porcher</a>, a U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of the national organization Buy From A Black Woman, officially qualified Thursday as a candidate for Georgia Labor Commissioner. Porcher enters the race with firsthand experience navigating the workforce system both as a veteran returning home and as the mother of a service member currently deployed overseas.After leaving the military, Porcher struggled to find stable work through the same workforce systems many Georgians rely on today. Nearly two decades later, her family encountered many of the same challenges again. Her son completed certifications through Georgia’s technical college system while searching for employment. But after struggling to find real opportunities through job listings connected to the state workforce system, he ultimately chose military service and is now deployed overseas.“Georgia is training people for jobs every day through our schools and technical colleges. But too many workers still leave those programs without a clear path to employment,” Porcher said.During a recent five-minute call from overseas, her son told her he believed in her campaign. “Then he said, ‘You better win, because I’m going to need a job when I get out,’” Porcher said. For her, that moment reinforced why the role of Labor Commissioner matters.“Georgia should be ready for our veterans before they land,” she said. “Skills translated. Credentials recognized. Employers connected. No red tape. No delay,” Porcher added.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/7e17d6c6-4c70-4357-b7ff-10727559ef6a/7e17d6c6-4c70-4357-b7ff-10727559ef6a.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1500%2C1594&amp;w=1500" alt="Nikki Porcher at the Capitol with supporters after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race" caption="Nikki Porcher at the Capitol with supporters after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Nikki Porcher at the Capitol with supporters after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner raceBeyond her military service, Porcher is known nationally for founding Buy From A Black Woman, an organization that has helped more than 700 entrepreneurs gain access to resources, certifications, and funding opportunities. Businesses supported through the organization’s programs have generated more than $6.12 million in revenue since 2021. Porcher says her experience building economic infrastructure outside of government has shaped how she views the role of Labor Commissioner.“The Department of Labor should do more than process paperwork,” Porcher said. “It should connect workers to real opportunity and help businesses find the people they need to grow,” she clarified.Porcher also says the conversation about workforce policy must include the real barriers that keep people from being able to work.“Workforce policy isn’t just about job postings,” she said. “It’s about whether a parent can afford childcare, whether someone has transportation to get to work, and whether training actually leads to a real job,” she explained.Porcher says her campaign will focus on modernizing the state’s labor systems, strengthening job pipelines across all 159 counties, and ensuring workers, veterans, and small businesses can access the opportunities they have earned.“For families across Georgia, who runs this office affects their stability and their future,” Porcher said. “This is not just politics for me. It is personal,” she emphasized.“We can build a Georgia where work works for everyone,” she said. “And that includes the people who raised their right hand to serve this country.”For more information on Porcher’s campaign, visit <a href="http://Vote4Nikki.com">Vote4Nikki.com</a>.&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/e9c15864-487a-4530-9281-ab3246995d2a/e9c15864-487a-4530-9281-ab3246995d2a.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2783%2C3353&amp;w=1500" alt="Nikki Porcher at the Capitol after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race" caption="Nikki Porcher at the Capitol after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race" align="center" alignwidth="37.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Nikki Porcher at the Capitol after officially qualifying for the Labor Commissioner race About Nikki PorcherNikki Porcher is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, a national nonprofit that supports Black women business owners. Her work has generated more than $6.12 million in documented economic impact and earned multiple Stevie Awards, including Woman of the Year Government or Nonprofit, Achievement in Diversity &amp; Inclusion, Social Activist of the Year, and Event of the Year.She is running for Georgia Labor Commissioner to modernize the state's labor systems and ensure every worker in every county has access to opportunity, stability, and support. Her campaign is rooted in one guiding belief: strong jobs build strong communities.Nikki Porcher is building a Georgia where work works for everyone. ###

Drawing on lived experience as a veteran, parent, and entrepreneur, Nikki Porcher’s plan for the Georgia Department of Labor centers jobs, training, and opportunity.

Air Force Veteran With Son Deployed Qualifies for Georgia Labor Commissioner Race

Drawing on lived experience as a veteran, parent, and entrepreneur, Nikki Porcher’s plan for the Georgia Department of Labor centers jobs, training, and opportunity.

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/3ac10c35-811a-4f47-b480-5744852daf7f/3ac10c35-811a-4f47-b480-5744852daf7f.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1536%2C1024&amp;w=1500" alt="building sign in front of Georgia Department of Labor" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">When I share that I am running for Georgia’s Labor Commissioner, the first question I hear almost every time is a simple one:&nbsp;What does the Labor Commissioner actually do?&nbsp;It is a fair question. Most Georgians only think about the Department of Labor when something breaks at work, when a paycheck comes up short, when a shift changes without notice, or when layoff paperwork feels like a maze.And in those moments, one question always rises to the surface: Who is responsible for fixing this?In Georgia, much of the day-to-day experience of workers and employers is managed through the Georgia Department of Labor. The agency is led by the Labor Commissioner. Understanding what this office does helps you hold the right people accountable and get help faster when you need it.<h2>Key Responsibilities of Georgia’s Labor Commissioner</h2>The Labor Commissioner leads the Georgia Department of Labor and is responsible for administering the state’s labor laws that GDOL oversees. In practice, that means:<ul><li>Running Unemployment Insurance (UI): Processing claims, paying eligible benefits, preventing fraud, and resolving appeals.</li><li>Labor market information: Collecting and publishing data on jobs, wages, skills, and hiring trends to guide job seekers, employers, and policy makers.</li><li>Employment services: Providing job search tools, referrals, and hiring events through GDOL’s career centers and digital services.</li><li>Child labor provisions and workplace posters: Enforcing Georgia’s child labor provisions and ensuring required notices are posted for workers.</li><li>Employer compliance and tax accounts: On-boarding new employers to the UI system, wage reporting, and audits tied to unemployment insurance.</li></ul>The Commissioner sets priorities, manages the budget and technology systems that make all this work, and represents the department before the legislature and the public.<h2>How the Georgia Department of Labor Serves Job Seekers</h2>When you’re between jobs, changing careers, or trying to move up, GDOL is your front door to benefits, openings, and data that helps you make smart choices. Job seekers can:<ul><li>File and manage UI claims and appeals, check payment status, and get guidance on eligibility and over-payments.</li><li>Get help in person or online through career centers, including resume reviews, interview prep, application support, and hiring events.</li><li>Search and apply for current job openings using GDOL’s job board and employer partnerships.</li><li>Get referrals to training and apprenticeships through regional partners like&nbsp; WorkSource Georgia when a credential is the bridge to your next role.</li><li>Access labor market information, such as which careers pay, who’s hiring, typical wages by county/metro, and required skills.</li><li>Tap into rapid response services after a layoff for fast UI guidance, job leads, and retraining options.</li><li>Learn about youth and teen employment rules regarding work permits, hours, and restricted occupations.</li><li>Find veteran-specific resources and priority services, including translation of military experience into civilian job skills.</li></ul><h2>How the Georgia Department of Labor Serves Employers</h2>GDOL helps employers find talent, meet compliance requirements, and plan staffing with better data so the hiring process is more efficient. Employers can:<ul><li>Post jobs on GDOL platforms and host hiring events at career centers to reach local candidates.</li><li>Set up and manage UI tax accounts, file wage reports, and get assistance with audits and account questions.</li><li>Understand child labor rules and obtain the required work certificates, and download state and federal workplace posters in one place.</li><li>Use labor market data to plan wages, staffing levels, and locations since the data allows them to see local supply of skills, turnover trends, and pay benchmarks.</li><li>Request candidate pre-screening and referrals tailored to your openings and shift needs.</li><li>Coordinate rapid response during layoffs or closures to support affected workers and meet legal notice requirements.</li><li>Explore on-the-job training and apprenticeship partnerships with WorkSource Georgia to build talent pipelines.</li><li>Get guidance on UI claims management (including separations, appeals, and documentation) to reduce errors and improve compliance.</li></ul><h2>Why The Labor Commissioner Matters to Everyday Georgians</h2>UI benefits, job referrals, and local labor data directly affect how quickly people recover from a job loss or move into better roles. Because when you lose a job, time and clarity matter. When you are searching for a better opportunity, data and referrals matter. When your teenager wants a summer job, safe and legal work matters. And when a plant closes, coordination and compassion matter.I understand these experiences because I have lived them from every side.&nbsp;I have worked in Georgia. I have been a teacher, a veteran, and a small business owner navigating payroll, hiring, and compliance. I have founded a nonprofit that supports thousands of women and families, and I have witnessed firsthand how delays, outdated systems, and unclear processes impact real people trying to stay afloat. These lived experiences shape how I will lead Georgia’s workforce system with urgency, fairness, and care.The Georgia Labor Commissioner cannot change federal law, but the office can improve state systems by implementing faster websites, fairer appeals processes, clearer data, stronger local partnerships, and a comprehensive plan that serves every county in Georgia. Understanding what GDOL does and how it differs from federal agencies helps workers and employers reach the right office and use available services with confidence.<h2>Donate to Porcher For Georgia</h2>If you found this article helpful, invest $100, $250, or $1,000 to help us reach more Georgians and build a workforce system that works for everyone. <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/voteporcher4ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Donate to the campaign.</a>

Understand the Labor Commissioner’s role and how Georgia’s Department of Labor assists job seekers and employers with Unemployment Insurance, training, and services.

What Does a Labor Commissioner Do?

When I share that I am running for Georgia’s Labor Commissioner, the first question I hear almost every time is a simple one:&nbsp;What does the Labor Commissioner actually do?&nbsp;It is a fair question. I wrote this post to answer this question and to explain the Labor Commissioner's responsibilities.

What Does Georgia’s Labor Commissioner Do?

Nikki Porcher is running for Georgia Labor Commissioner to build a Georgia where work works for everyone. A veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, Nikki is committed to strengthening Georgia’s workforce, supporting small businesses, improving unemployment services, and expanding opportunities across all 159 counties.