Who's On Your Ballot: Labor Commissioner
- Floyd County Democrats
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Georgia Commissioner of Labor is responsible for implementing the state's labor regulations, operating its unemployment insurance and rehabilitation programs, and producing statistics and research covering the Georgia labor market.
A progressive state labor department is characterized by a proactive approach to expanding worker protections, enforcing labor standards, and adapting to the modern economy through technology and innovative policy. These departments often focus on shifting bargaining power back to low- and moderate-wage workers through initiatives that go beyond federal minimums.
Specific programs might include
Actively raising minimum wages, enforcing overtime rights, and ensuring compliance with pay standards.
Promoting equitable wage-setting practices and strengthening protections against discrimination in hiring and retention.
Investing in bridge programs and supporting workers with low incomes to participate in training through supportive services like childcare and transportation.
Protecting the right to organize and facilitating labor-management collaboration.
Ensuring services are available to all workers regardless of immigration status.
Forging partnerships between businesses, unions, and educational institutions to create a robust talent pipeline.
The Candidates
Christian Wise Smith
Attorney; former Fulton County prosecutor and justice system reform advocate.
Priorities:
Address the affordability crisis that’s crushing Georgia families
Give people pathways before they ever end up in the justice system
Make sure that if Georgians work hard, they can afford a decent life
Brett Hulme
Long career working with union members and working families. In 2016, became Political Director for the Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council, covering Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina (later expanding to include Alabama and Tennessee). Active in the labor movement as a longtime delegate with OPEIU Local 277 and a member of Carpenters Local 256.
Priorities:
Focus on workers first - not bureaucracy or special interests
Strengthen partnerships with unions, employers, and technical colleges to build opportunities for Georgians to succeed
Create a department of Labor that is prepared, responsive and puts Georgians first
Michelle Sánchez
Community organizer and advocate
Priorities:
Pressure the legislature to raise Georgia’s minimum wage, establish comprehensive statewide harassment protections, and strengthen the office’s enforcement authority
Fight wage theft
Partner with worker centers, legal aid groups, faith communities, and small business owners who believe in fair competition
Protect immigrant workers with information and enforcement in multiple languages
Nikki Porcher
Business owner; founded a national nonprofit network that helps entrepreneurs gain access to funding, training, and certification programs.
Priorities:
Protect workers’ rights, promote fair wages, and ensure every Georgian can work in a secure, respectful environment.
Accessible affordable child care: make sure Georgia’s workforce policies support working parents and small businesses alike
Create partnerships that lead to real jobs, modern skills, and livable wages
Ensure small businesses have the tools and resources to grow and create good jobs
Jason Moon
Serves with the U.S. Small Business Administration supporting entrepreneurs, nonprofits & small companies.
Priorities:
Protect and strengthen family farms
Make it easier for Georgians to find good jobs
Support and develop programs for workers to share in the success story they help create
More Info
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