Kemp inaugurated for second term following string of successes

January 12th, 2023

Gov. Brian Kemp is sworn in for a second term on January 12, 2023. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Republican Brian Kemp is officially beginning his second term as Georgia’s 83rd governor after being sworn in today at Georgia State University’s Convocation Center.

Kemp was sworn in on a bible, open to Proverbs 16:7.

“When the lord is pleased with a man and his ways,” the scripture says, “he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

Last year, Kemp overcame a Trump-backed primary challenge and prevailed over Democrat Stacey Abrams.

Recently, governors have been tested repeatedly by public health, economic and political challenges.

“There may be another pandemic, another contentious election or another natural disaster,” said Kemp. “If tomorrow morning, God sends us another struggle, I will roll up my sleeves and go to work.”

Last term, Kemp focused on conservative priorities like new abortion restrictions and looser gun rules.

In his second term, he’s pledging to focus on jobs and the economy.