News & Updates

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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,  keeps democracy working.

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 .

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.