“I, Brian P. Kemp do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of Governor of the state of Georgia.”
Athens native Brian Kemp has been sworn in as the 83rd governor of Georgia.
Judge T. J. Hudson, Probate Judge of Treutlen County administered oath of office.
An enthusiastic crowd turned out to support the new Republican governor, who pledged to be a governor for all the people of the state.
“Through the prism of politics our state appears divided, metro versus rural, black versus white, republican versus democrat, elections can simply rip us apart” Kemp said. But after visiting all 159 counties, I can tell you this, we have so much in common and as governor I will fight for all Georgians, not just the ones who voted for me.”
During his address he cited MLK Jr, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, along with entertainers like Ray Charles, Otis Redding and Greg Allman. Touted the state’s assets.
“With our low taxes, a business-friendly government and access to logistics hubs like the, and the Port of Savannah, the Atlanta Airport, Georgia is an epicenter of job growth, the “Hollywood of the South” and soon to be the cyber capital of the world”.
Kemp mentioned some of his goals and priorities.
State Democrats indicated that they weren't ready to put the rancorous election behind them.
Away from the festivities, Democratic Party of Georgia chair DuBose Porter issued a statement calling Kemp's inauguration a "dark day in Georgia's history."
A political group Abrams founded is challenging the way Georgia elections are run in federal court, alleging "gross mismanagement" under Kemp.
