Barnes endorsement of GOP candidate rattles down-ticket contest
Former Dem gov endorses GOP statewide candidate
A seemingly sleepy down-ticket statewide contest has suddenly made headlines after Georgia’s last Democratic Governor crossed the aisle to endorse the Republican nominee.
Former Gov. Roy Barnes on Thursday endorsed State Sen. Tyler Harper, a Republican who is running for Agriculture Commissioner.
Harper’s campaign reacted to the endorsement:
“This marks a significant endorsement for Tyler’s campaign and shows that leaders across party lines are uniting around him because he has the background, experience, and proven record of delivering results for Georgia farmers and families.”
Barnes, who was elected governor in 1998, is best known for leading the effort to remove the confederate emblem from the state flag. In a statement, the Democrat said that Harper “has a track record of delivering results for Georgia families and communities.”
“I have always appreciated Tyler’s ability to put politics aside and put the people of Georgia first, and I am confident he will continue to work in a bipartisan way to get things done for every Georgian. I encourage everyone to join me in voting for Tyler Harper for Agriculture Commissioner this fall.”
Though Barnes praised Harper for his bipartisanship, the latter’s voting record in the State Senate has been anything but. He has supported several conservative priorities such as abortion bans, election restrictions and Constitutional Carry.
Nevertheless, the wealthy farmer has quietly assembled a strong statewide campaign. He faced no opposition in the May primary election and he has raised almost $2 million. He has also started airing television ads and has aggressively traveled across the state since entering the race — a sign that he may be angling for higher office down the line.
Harper says that he looks forward to working together with Gov. Barnes to ensure that agriculture, the largest contributor to the state’s economy, continues to thrive.
His Democratic opponent, Nakita Hemingway, seemed to dismiss Barnes’ endorsement. She said that Harper represents everything the Democratic Party has been working against.
“My campaign has better things to worry about than a one-term governor who hasn’t won an election since 1998,” Hemingway said of Barnes.
Harper and Hemingway are seeking to become only Georgia’s third agriculture chief in over half a century.
“Since 1969, the agency has been led by two men: Democrat Tommy Irvin, who served as commissioner for more than 40 years, and his successor, Republican Gary Black, who is finishing his third term as agriculture commissioner. Now, after Black’s unsuccessful run for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat, the door has been opened for new leadership.”