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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The Georgia General Election is November 3, 2026.<a href="/the-2026-georgia-democratic-voter-companion-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download Nikki's 2026 GEORGIA DEMOCRATIC VOTER COMPANION</a>

The 2026 Georgia Democratic Statewide Ticket

U.S. Senate

Jon Ossoff

Governor

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Lieutenant Governor

Josh McLaurin

Secretary of State

Penny Brown Reynolds

Attorney General

Tanya Miller

State School Superintendent

Dr. Lydia Powell

Insurance Commissioner

Keisha Sean Waites

Agriculture Commissioner

Katherine Juhan-Arnold

Labor Commissioner

Nikki Porcher

Public Service Commission, District 3

Peter Hubbard

Public Service Commission, District 5

Shelia Edwards

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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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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>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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<h1>Porcher For Georgia Privacy Policy</h1>Porcher For Georgia is committed to respecting your privacy and protecting the information you share with us.This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information gathered through our website, events, volunteer activities, donations, and campaign communications.<h3>Information We Collect</h3>When you engage with Porcher For Georgia, we may collect information such as your:<ul><li>Name</li><li>Email address</li><li>Phone number</li><li>Mailing address</li><li>Donation information</li><li>Employer and occupation information required by campaign finance law</li></ul>We may also automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website, including your browser type, device information, IP address, and website activity through cookies and analytics tools.<h4>How We Use Information</h4>We use information to:<ul><li>Communicate with supporters and volunteers</li><li>Process donations</li><li>Share campaign updates and voter information</li><li>Organize events and outreach efforts</li><li>Improve our website and communications</li><li>Comply with legal and reporting obligations</li></ul><h4>Text Messages and Emails</h4>By providing your phone number or email address, you agree to receive communications from Porcher For Georgia. Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.<h4>Sharing Information</h4>We do not sell your personal information.We may share information with trusted vendors, consultants, service providers, and partners supporting campaign operations, fundraising, compliance, organizing, and communications.We may also disclose information when required by law.<h4>Cookies and Analytics</h4>Our website may use cookies, pixels, and analytics tools to better understand engagement and improve campaign outreach.You can disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.<h4>Security</h4>We work to protect your information using reasonable administrative and technical safeguards. However, no online system can guarantee absolute security.<h4>Changes to This Policy</h4>This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page.<h4>Contact</h4>Porcher For Georgia <a href="http://Vote4Nikki.com">Vote4Nikki.com</a>For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact the campaign through our website.

Now we turn our attention to November. Together, we'll continue building a Georgia where work works for everyone.

Nikki Porcher has won the Democratic nomination for Georgia Labor Commissioner!

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Effective Date: May 27, 2026Porcher For Georgia (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us through our website, events, volunteer activities, donations, and campaign communications.This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have regarding your information.Information We CollectWe may collect personal information you voluntarily provide to us, including: Name Email address Phone number Mailing address Donation information Employer and occupation information when required by campaign finance laws Volunteer and event participation information Communications you send to the campaignWe may also automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website, including: IP address Browser type Device information Pages visited Referral links Cookies and analytics dataHow We Use InformationWe use collected information to: Communicate with supporters, volunteers, and donors Process contributions and comply with campaign finance laws Send campaign updates, event invitations, fundraising messages, and voter information Improve our website, outreach, and organizing efforts Analyze engagement and campaign effectiveness Protect against fraud, spam, or unauthorized activityText Messages and EmailsBy providing your phone number or email address, you consent to receive campaign communications from Porcher For Georgia, including updates, volunteer opportunities, fundraising requests, and voter information. Message and data rates may apply. You may unsubscribe at any time by following the instructions included in communications.Donations and Financial InformationDonations made through our website may be processed by trusted third-party platforms such as <a href="https://www.actblue.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ActBlue</a> or other payment processors. Donation information is subject to applicable federal and state campaign finance laws and reporting requirements.We do not store full payment card information on our servers.Sharing of InformationWe do not sell your personal information.We may share information with: Service providers and vendors assisting campaign operations Compliance, fundraising, texting, email, and organizing platforms Government agencies when required by law Partner organizations, consultants, or volunteers supporting campaign activities consistent with this campaign’s missionInformation may also be disclosed if necessary to protect the security, integrity, or legal rights of the campaign.Cookies and AnalyticsOur website may use cookies, pixels, and analytics tools to understand website traffic, improve campaign outreach, and provide more relevant communications and advertising.You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website functionality may be limited.Data SecurityWe take reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.Third-Party LinksOur website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties.Children’s PrivacyOur website and campaign communications are not directed toward children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.Your ChoicesYou may: Unsubscribe from emails at any time Opt out of text messages by replying STOP Contact us to update or request removal of your information where legally permissibleChanges to This PolicyWe may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.ContactPorcher For Georgia <a href="http://Vote4Nikki.com">Vote4Nikki.com</a>For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact the campaign through the website contact form or official campaign email.

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Nikki's 2026 GEORGIA DEMOCRATIC VOTER COMPANION

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Leaders from across Georgia are joining Team Porcher.

“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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<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2>Run does not process donations directly on our platform, as is standard with most political and advocacy sites.Campaigns are often required to comply with reporting requirements, donation limits, and other regulations, so using a donation processor that specializes in serving campaigns is generally a good idea. Sign up with a donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:<ul><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ActBlue</a></li><li><a href="https://www.campaigndeputy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Campaign Deputy</a> </li><li><a href="https://goodchange.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GoodChange</a></li><li><a href="https://numero.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Numero</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ngpvan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NGP VAN</a></li></ul>

<h1>Check your registration even if you’ve voted before</h1>Georgia voters can be removed from the rolls for several reasons, including a change of residence, a felony conviction, or inactivity. If a voter doesn’t vote or update their registration for several years, they are moved to “inactive” status. If they remain inactive through two or more general elections, they are removed entirely. Checking your registration before every election — especially if you haven’t voted recently or have moved — takes less than a minute and prevents surprises on Election Day.<a href="https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Register, Update, or Confirm Your Registration</a><h1>What to Bring</h1>Your rights at the polls:<ul><li>If you are in line at 7:00 p.m. when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Stay in line.</li><li>Voters who are 75 or older, disabled, or require assistance are permitted to move to the front of the line.</li><li>Voters with disabilities or who cannot read English may bring someone to assist them.</li><li>If your registration cannot be verified at the polls, request a provisional ballot. Do not leave without voting.</li></ul>Provisional ballot — critical deadline: A provisional ballot will only be counted if you bring valid ID to your county elections office within 3 days of the election. If you cast a provisional ballot, put that deadline on your calendar immediately.<h1>Know Your Rights</h1>This voting information is provided as a nonpartisan public resource. It does not endorse or oppose any candidate, party, or ballot measure. For the most current information, always verify dates and locations with your <a href="https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/county-election-offices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">county Election Office</a> or at <a href="http://mvp.sos.ga.gov">mvp.sos.ga.gov</a>.----<h4>If you believe that your rights are being violated, The Democratic Party of Georgia's voter protection hotline is:</h4><h4>1-888-730-5816</h4>Georgians can call OR text that number, and it operates in six languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Hindi, and Vietnamese.

Whether you’re voting for the first time or just need a refresher, this page has everything you need to participate in Georgia elections.

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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.

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Nikki Porcher is running for Georgia Labor Commissioner because she believes work should work for everyone.As a veteran, single mother, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, Nikki understands the challenges working families face firsthand. From working multiple jobs to support her son to helping small businesses create economic opportunity, her work has always focused on people and community.

Nikki’s Priorities and Goals

Nikki’s Priorities and Goals

<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:

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;">Don't Stop at the Statewide Races</h2>This guide highlights Georgia's statewide Democratic nominees, but your ballot may also include local races, judicial elections, school board seats, city or county offices, and ballot questions. Be sure to review your complete ballot before Election Day so you can make informed decisions on every race.Every office matters. Every vote matters.

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Nikki Porcher is proud to have earned the support of State Senators, State Representatives, City Council members, community leaders, and candidates from every corner of the state. This growing coalition reflects a shared belief that Georgia deserves a Department of Labor that works for workers, families, veterans, parents, and small businesses.These endorsements represent leaders who understand the importance of collaboration, service, and creating opportunities that strengthen communities. Together, they are supporting Nikki Porcher because they know she has the experience, vision, and leadership to deliver results for Georgia on Day One.

Nikki Porcher For Georgia Labor Commissioner

Democratic nominee for Georgia's 14th Congressional District

Shawn Harris

Georgia State Senate

State Sen. Kenya Wicks

State Sen. Rashawn Kemp

State Sen. Randal Mangham

State Sen. Freddie Powell Sims

Georgia House of Representatives

Rep. Derrick Jackson

Georgia's 88th House District

Rep. Billy Mitchell

Georgia's 149th House District

Rep. Floyd Griffin

Georgia's 61st House District

Rep. Mekyah McQueen

Atlanta City Council

Councilmember Antonio Lewis

Councilmember Matt Westmoreland

Georgia Leadership PAC

Daphne Enmon, Founder

Safer Communities in South Fulton

Democratic Nominee for Congress, Georgia's 1st Congressional District

Dr. Kelly Esti

Democratic Nominee for Congress, Georgia's 10th Congressional District

Chris Harden

Democratic Nominee for georgia state senate, district 51

Gary St. Lawrence

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2026 Primary Runoff Election Dates

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<h2>November 3</h2>

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<h2>October 13 - 30</h2>

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<h2>Apply by October 5th</h2>

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Access That Reaches People

Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces

Small Businesses as Job Creators

Workforce Development That Works

Accessible Affordable Child Care

<h3>Building a Georgia Where Work Works for Everyone</h3>Nikki Porcher is running for Georgia Labor Commissioner because she believes work should provide dignity, stability, and opportunity for every Georgian.As a veteran, single mother, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, Nikki understands firsthand the challenges working families face. From struggling to afford child care while working multiple jobs to helping small businesses create economic opportunity, her work has always centered on people, not politics.Nikki believes the Department of Labor should be accessible, responsive, and focused on helping workers, families, and businesses succeed together. Her vision for Georgia is rooted in fair pay, workforce opportunity, support for small businesses, and systems that actually work for the people they are meant to serve.Because when workers are stronger, Georgia is stronger.

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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.

Claim Your County with a $159 Contribution

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<h2>The 2026 Georgia Democratic Statewide Ticket</h2>Explore Georgia's statewide offices, meet the Democratic nominees, and download your voter companion before Election Day.

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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.

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Nikki Porcher is proud to have earned the support of State Senators, State Representatives, City Council members, community leaders, and candidates from every corner of the state. This growing coalition reflects a shared belief that Georgia deserves a Department of Labor that works for workers, families, veterans, parents, and small businesses.

Leaders For Nikki 

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

Meet Nikki 

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

Nikki Porcher Campaign Updates | Georgia Labor Commissioner

As a veteran, single mother, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, Nikki understands the challenges working families face firsthand. From working multiple jobs to support her son to helping small businesses create economic opportunity, her work has always focused on people and community.

Learn about the 2026 Georgia Democratic statewide ticket, what each constitutional office does, and how these leaders can work together to deliver results for Georgia. Print and bring this voter companion with you on Election Day. 

2026 Georgia Democratic Statewide Ticket | Voter Companion | Nikki Porcher

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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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<h3>The Problem</h3>Too many Georgians are working hard but still struggling to find stable jobs that provide fair pay, long-term growth, and real economic security.Across the state, workers are being told to gain new skills while employers continue to say they cannot find qualified workers. At the same time, many workforce training programs are outdated, difficult to access, or disconnected from the actual needs of today’s economy.Nikki has spent years traveling across Georgia listening to workers, parents, small business owners, veterans, and young people talk about the barriers they face when trying to build stable careers. She understands that workforce development is not just about filling jobs. It is about creating pathways to opportunity, economic mobility, and long-term stability.Too many people feel stuck between low wages, rising costs, limited opportunities, and systems that do not feel designed for them.This is not just an employment issue. It is an economic issue. When workers cannot access meaningful opportunities, businesses struggle, communities lose talent, and Georgia’s economy becomes weaker.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/22d8a456-c3f4-426f-bdc5-2dc03ea1cbd3/22d8a456-c3f4-426f-bdc5-2dc03ea1cbd3.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%2C67%2C1261%2C912&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Through my work with Habitat for Humanity and community organizations across Georgia, I have seen firsthand how stable work changes lives." align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Through my work with Habitat for Humanity and community organizations across Georgia, I have seen firsthand how stable work changes lives.<h3>Nikki’s Plan</h3>As Labor Commissioner, Nikki will work to modernize workforce development and better connect training opportunities to the real needs of Georgia workers and employers.Her administration will:<ul><li>Strengthen partnerships between schools, technical colleges, unions, employers, and workforce programs</li><li>Expand access to apprenticeships, paid training opportunities, and career pathways</li><li>Improve outreach to rural, underserved, and historically overlooked communities</li><li>Modernize Career Centers to better connect workers with jobs, training, and support services</li><li>Support workforce development strategies that prepare Georgians for high-demand industries and long-term careers</li><li>Increase awareness of workforce resources available to workers, students, and career changers</li></ul><h3>What Nikki Believes</h3>Workforce development should lead to real opportunities, not dead ends.Nikki believes every Georgian deserves access to pathways that lead to stability, fair wages, and the ability to build a future. Workforce systems should help people move forward, not leave them navigating confusing programs that fail to connect them to real jobs and opportunities.When workers are prepared, businesses grow stronger, families become more stable, and communities are better positioned to thrive. Georgia’s workforce should work for everyone, in every region of the state.

Workforce development should lead to real opportunity, not empty promises. Georgians deserve pathways to careers that provide stability, dignity, and growth. Businesses need workers who are prepared for today’s economy, not yesterday’s.

Workforce Development That Works

After leading the Democratic primary, Nikki Porcher received Shawn Harris' endorsement for the June 16 runoff.ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, June 11, 2026 — Democratic nominee for Georgia's 14th Congressional District Shawn Harris publicly announced his support for Nikki Porcher in the June 16 Democratic runoff for Georgia Labor Commissioner at a gathering hosted at Swift &amp; Finch in Rome. The event brought together Democratic candidates Shonna Bailey, Vincent Mendes, and Sonja Law, along with community members, for wide-ranging conversations about workforce challenges, economic opportunity, and the future facing Georgia families.Porcher advanced to the runoff after finishing first in the five-candidate Democratic primary, earning more than 310,000 votes statewide, carrying 101 of Georgia's 159 counties, and receiving support from voters in all 159 counties. The results reflected the broad geographic reach of her coalition across Georgia. Since launching her campaign, Porcher has traveled to more than 65 counties, building a statewide network rooted in direct community engagement. <a href="https://www.voteporcher4ga.com/NikkisPrioritiesandGoals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Her platform</a> focuses on modernizing unemployment services, expanding workforce development, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and treating affordable child care as the workforce issue it fundamentally is.“I've traveled thousands of miles across Georgia, and one thing is clear: no matter where people live, they want opportunity, dignity, and a government that sees them. That's the coalition we're building, and that's the leadership I'll bring to the Department of Labor,” Porcher said. An Air Force veteran, former public school educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit executive, Porcher has spent her career creating pathways to economic opportunity. Through her work, she has advocated for and supported hundreds of small business owners nationwide, helping generate millions of dollars in economic impact. The <a href="https://www.voteporcher4ga.com/votinginformation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">June 16 runoff</a> will determine the Democratic nominee for Georgia Labor Commissioner. If elected in November, Porcher would become the first woman ever elected Georgia Labor Commissioner. Current Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes was appointed to the office by Governor Brian Kemp. About Nikki Porcher Nikki Porcher is an Air Force veteran, former educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader. She finished first in the Democratic primary for Georgia Labor Commissioner and advanced to the June 16 runoff election. Her campaign has focused on workforce development, modernizing unemployment services, and expanding economic opportunity for all Georgians.###

After leading the Democratic primary, Nikki Porcher received Shawn Harris' endorsement for the June 16 runoff.

Congressional Candidate Shawn Harris Endorses Nikki Porcher In Georgia Labor Commissioner Runoff

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?

<h3>The Problem</h3>Nikki believes government systems should work for the people they are meant to serve, but too many Georgians feel frustrated, ignored, or left behind when trying to access workforce services and support.Across the state, people are struggling with outdated systems, long wait times, confusing processes, and a lack of communication when trying to access unemployment assistance, job training, workforce programs, or employment resources. For many working families, rural communities, seniors, veterans, and people without reliable internet access, these barriers can make help feel completely out of reach.Nikki understands how stressful it is when people are already struggling financially and cannot get clear answers or support when they need it most. She believes no one should feel abandoned by the very systems designed to help them move forward.This is not just a customer service issue. It is a workforce issue. When people cannot access workforce support, opportunities are delayed, families face greater instability, and communities fall further behind.<h3>Nikki’s Plan</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/b30a8c33-6c5f-4ce7-8c1d-d549fd00dd85/d6a8e9cb-b804-4b44-8e0a-b909044ffd8d/d6a8e9cb-b804-4b44-8e0a-b909044ffd8d.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=735%2C520%2C2834%2C1818&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="I do not just talk about workforce development. I have spent years building it." align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I do not just talk about workforce development. I have spent years building it.As Labor Commissioner, Nikki will work to modernize and improve access to workforce services so the Department of Labor becomes more responsive, accessible, and people-centered.Her administration will:<ul><li>Improve communication and responsiveness across the Department of Labor</li><li>Expand outreach to underserved and historically overlooked communities</li><li>Advocate for more user-friendly systems and technology</li><li>Increase awareness of available workforce resources, training opportunities, and benefits</li><li>Strengthen access to workforce services for rural communities and working families</li><li>Work to ensure Georgians can more easily connect to the support they need regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance</li></ul><h3>What Nikki Believes</h3>Access should not depend on where you live, who you know, or whether you can afford to wait.Nikki believes every Georgian deserves access to clear information, responsive support, and workforce opportunities that help people move forward. Government systems should meet people where they are and treat them with dignity and respect.When workforce systems are easier to access and easier to navigate, families are better supported, workers are better connected to opportunity, and communities become stronger across Georgia.

Government services should work for the people they are meant to serve. When access is difficult, people fall through the cracks. Georgia’s workforce systems should be modern, efficient, and accessible to every community.

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