Georgia Redistricting: Kemp Veto

Outgoing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) formally declined to call a special session of the General Assembly to alter executive branch powers or adjust district maps before January. In a written statement released on Tuesday, Kemp indicated that state leaders would respect the election results without imposing new legislative constraints on the incoming administration.

Kemp stated, "I will not be calling a special session of the Georgia General Assembly in order to curtail executive branch powers or debate redistricting changes." He added that the voters of the state had spoken. The governor emphasized that his administration would continue to respect secure, accessible, and fair elections while abiding by state laws and the constitution.

The decision follows the victory of Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms over Republican challenger Rick Jackson. Bottoms secured the governor's mansion, marking the first time a Democrat has won the race in the Peach State since 1998. The National Governors Association confirmed the shift in party control for the executive branch.

Kemp initially proposed a redistricting session in June after the Supreme Court removed a key section of the Voting Rights Act. The high court ruling required Georgia to adopt new maps. Kemp urged lawmakers to reconvene to consider enacting, revising, or amending general law for district division before 2028. However, officials determined it was too late to redraw maps for the May primaries.

Republican state House Speaker Jon Burns (R) previously tabled the effort. Burns explained that the timing was not the right path forward for the state. He noted that changes to district maps could impact every voter. Burns said the House would use a thoughtful, fact-driven process to guide future decisions. He shared plans for meetings to hear directly from voters on the issue.

Although Kemp publicly disagreed with the initial decision to delay, he maintained that redistricting efforts remained the responsibility of the Georgia Legislature. The special session was intended to address potential financial needs before the new year, a possibility Kemp left open despite his refusal to convene the body for redistricting debates.

The rejection of the special session removes a potential legislative hurdle before Bottoms assumes office. The state government will transition to Democratic leadership in January. Lawmakers will now focus on standard legislative duties until the next scheduled session.