05/13/2026
Response to Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to support to HB 369.
Governor Kemp’s decision to sign HB 369 is a troubling step that undermines transparency and accountability in some of Georgia’s most populous counties, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett.
By stripping partisan identification from constitutional officers in metro Atlanta, this law risks obscuring the values and priorities that candidates bring to roles that directly impact working people—especially in areas like law enforcement, taxation, and public administration.
For labor organizations and working families, elections are not abstract exercises—they are about choosing leaders who will protect wages, ensure safe communities, and uphold fair access to public services. Party affiliation is one of the clearest signals voters have to understand where candidates stand on these issues. Removing that information does not eliminate politics; it simply makes it harder for everyday voters, especially those without access to extensive campaign resources, to make informed decisions.
This change also raises concerns about equity. In practice, it can advantage well-funded candidates and those with existing name recognition, while making it more difficult for grassroots and labor-backed candidates to compete on a level playing field. At a time when working people are already navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty, the state should be expanding democratic participation—not limiting access to meaningful information.
Labor stands for fairness, transparency, and the right of working people to have a clear voice in their government. HB 369 moves us in the wrong direction. We urge policymakers to prioritize reforms that strengthen—not weaken—the democratic process and ensure that all Georgians can make informed choices about the leaders who shape their daily lives.
Sandra Lee Williams
