PRESS RELEASE
Former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond Endorses Nikki Porcher
The last Democrat to hold the office calls Porcher the “hardest-working lady in politics in Georgia today” and says she has earned his support.
ATLANTA, GA — Former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond has endorsed Nikki Porcher, the Democratic nominee for Georgia Labor Commissioner, bringing the support of the last Democrat to hold the office to her campaign just days before the November 3 general election.
Thurmond, who served three terms as Georgia Labor Commissioner from 1999 to 2011, announced his endorsement in a video recorded at his home alongside Porcher. Having personally observed her on the campaign trail, Thurmond praised her commitment to Georgia workers and her determination to reach communities across the state.
"You've earned it," Thurmond told Porcher.
He went on to declare, "This is the hardest-working lady in politics in Georgia today. I'm so proud to be standing here with her."
Thurmond was the last Democrat elected Georgia Labor Commissioner, winning his final term in 2006. Nearly two decades later, Porcher is seeking to return the office to Democratic leadership and bring renewed accountability, accessibility, and workforce development opportunities to the Georgia Department of Labor.
During their conversation, Thurmond emphasized the significance of an office that directly affects workers, employers, and families throughout Georgia.
"Other than governor, I've always said, Nikki, people don't know this, but the most important constitutional officer is the labor commissioner," Thurmond said.
Porcher, a United States Air Force veteran, former Georgia public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, has traveled more than 12,000 miles and visited 67 counties during her campaign. Her platform focuses on modernizing unemployment insurance, improving access to Career Centers, expanding workforce training, and ensuring that rural communities are not left behind.
"I am honored to have your support, to have your endorsement, and it means a lot to me," Porcher told Thurmond.
Thurmond also emphasized the importance of strong leadership as Georgia's economy and workforce continue to evolve.
"Listen, this is so important, especially with this economy, the transformation that is taking place. We need someone who's about working people and helping people who want to help themselves. This is the lady right here," he said.
The endorsement adds to Porcher's growing coalition of support, which includes U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, the Georgia AFL-CIO, and the Georgia Working Families Party.
If elected, Porcher would become the first Black woman to serve as Georgia Labor Commissioner and the first Democrat to hold the office since Thurmond left in 2011.
Thurmond closed his endorsement with a direct appeal to voters: "Vote for Nikki, the labor commissioner. We need a good one."
Early voting ends Friday, October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
About Nikki Porcher
Nikki Porcher is the Democratic nominee for Georgia Labor Commissioner. A United States Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, Porcher is campaigning to modernize the Georgia Department of Labor, strengthen workforce development, support small businesses, and build a Georgia where work works for everyone.