The Advocacy Report October 2026: What to Know Before Election Day

October 26, 2026

WHERE GEORGIA'S GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES STAND ON RESTAURANT ISSUES

Here we are - early voting is underway, and we're days away from finding out who will be Georgia's next governor. We get asked all the time where the candidates stand on issues that matter to our industry, but this campaign has been a little lighter on specific policy proposals. We're taking a closer look at what both candidates have said about the issues that affect Georgia restaurants, and, just as importantly, what questions still need answers. 

One quick note: We sent both campaigns the same questionnaire on restaurant-industry priorities, but neither has responded. The comparison below is based on publicly available campaign proposals, interviews and statements. It is intended to inform members about issues affecting restaurants, not to endorse either candidate. If either campaign would like to answer our questions, our door is wide open. We'd happily share those answers with Georgia's restaurant community.

WORKFORCE AND LABOR COSTS

Keisha Lance Bottoms: During the October 6 gubernatorial debate, Bottoms called for a $15 statewide minimum wage, citing Atlanta's move to pay city employees at least $15 an hour during her tenure as mayor. That would be more than double the $7.25 federal minimum wage generally applicable to covered Georgia employees; separate federal rules apply to tipped workers. For restaurant operators, a higher mandated wage raises questions about payroll expenses, staffing and menu pricing. We have not identified a clear public commitment from her campaign on preserving the tip credit or how the proposal would apply to tipped employees.

Rick Jackson: Jackson has emphasized a business-friendly approach to workforce issues, focusing on creating higher-paying jobs through economic development and expanded workforce training rather than committing to an increase in the minimum wage. During the October gubernatorial debate, he highlighted his view of the importance of technical education and preparing Georgians for careers in higher-paying industries. While his approach focuses on expanding employment opportunities, questions remain about how his policies would address the immediate labor challenges facing restaurants. He has also not provided a clear public commitment on preserving the tip credit, an important issue for Georgia's full-service restaurants.

TAXES AND THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Bottoms: Her affordability agenda includes proposals involving local sales-tax relief on groceries and other essentials, insurance-related taxes and the gas tax. The precise scope and implementation of those proposals matter, particularly because local grocery sales taxes are distinct from state taxes. The potential impact on consumer spending is worth examining, along with how her broader agenda would affect employer costs, taxes and fees, and how the proposals would be funded.

Jackson: He has proposed cutting Georgia's state income tax in half within four years, working toward its elimination, and freezing home valuations used for property taxes. He has also backed ending state income tax on tips and eliminating state taxes on residential electricity and natural gas. Those proposals could offer relief, although the valuation freeze focuses on homes rather than commercial property. Jackson has pointed to economic growth, government efficiencies and technology improvements as ways to help offset revenue reductions. Operators will want details on how those savings would be achieved and whether any costs could shift to local taxes, permitting or licensing fees.

REGULATIONS, LICENSING AND GOVERNING APPROACH

Bottoms: Her experience on the Atlanta City Council, as Atlanta mayor and in the Biden administration provides a record to evaluate. During the pandemic, she favored a more restrictive reopening approach than Governor Brian Kemp, and some operators have said the competing state and city messages created uncertainty. That experience raises a fair question about how she would coordinate with local governments and businesses during future emergencies.

Jackson: Jackson has emphasized reducing regulations and streamlining government processes. While these priorities could benefit restaurant operators, additional details are needed on how his administration would address permitting, licensing and regulatory requirements. Without a prior governing record, his proposed approach would largely need to be evaluated through specific policy commitments and implementation plans. As a first-time officeholder, he has also not said how he would coordinate with local governments and businesses during an emergency, the same question operators have for Bottoms.

SMALL-BUSINESS SUPPORT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Bottoms: She has proposed expanding support for small businesses, including an Office of Small Business and access-to-capital initiatives. The structure, eligibility rules and funding for these programs would determine how useful they are to independent restaurants. She has also called for Medicaid expansion and pathways to tuition-free technical and community college education, which could affect workforce recruitment and retention.

Jackson: He has pledged to build on Governor Kemp's economic-development approach. His agenda also includes capital and training for small businesses. That could signal continuity for Georgia's business climate, although the specific implications for restaurant workforce development, small-business assistance and local economic growth remain to be spelled out.

THE QUESTIONS WE STILL NEED ANSWERED

Both campaigns have an opportunity to be more specific. Where do they stand on the tip credit, and would they support changing it? How would they address workforce shortages, strengthen workforce development programs and help restaurants navigate employment verification requirements? What are their plans for public safety in commercial districts? What would their tax and regulatory proposals mean for restaurants on the ground? And how would they work with our industry when difficult decisions arise?

These are not small questions for an industry employing hundreds of thousands of Georgians. GRA will continue pressing both campaigns for answers and will work with the next administration to advance policies that help restaurants thrive. In the meantime, we encourage members to examine the candidates' proposals, ask questions and make their own decisions at the ballot box. 

COBB COUNTY ALCOHOL PERMIT REMINDER

A quick reminder for restaurant operators in unincorporated Cobb County: The county requires more than just employees who serve alcohol to have a valid Alcohol Beverage Work Permit. At establishments with pouring licenses, covered positions include managers, assistant managers, food and beverage servers, food runners, bartenders and certain other roles. The county does not distinguish between employees serving food and those serving alcohol for these requirements. Some positions, such as cooks, dishwashers and hosts are excluded. However hosts working to-go orders qualify as servers and would need a permit. Operators should consult the county's official guidance for the complete list.

We've received reports of increased enforcement activity, so now is a good time to double-check that employees in covered positions have current permits.

For operators outside unincorporated Cobb County, this is also a good reminder to review your local alcohol service requirements and make sure your team is in compliance.

SCOTT'S THOUGHTS

Maybe it’s just me, but this has felt like a surprisingly quiet election cycle in Georgia, especially considering the massive stakes (or steaks ha!). Even the primary seemed to have more juice than what we’re seeing this time around. There just don’t seem to be as many texts, calls, or yard signs as we’ve seen in past elections.

Frankly, I don’t have a great explanation for it. Maybe politics have become so prominent in our everyday lives and pop culture that we’ve just started tuning it all out as background noise. Or maybe we’re all just exhausted by election season. Who knows?

But I digress. The important thing is not to tune out when it comes to voting. Don’t assume a particular candidate has already won or that your vote won’t make a difference. There’s still plenty at stake, especially for Georgia’s restaurant industry.

So get out and vote for the candidates and issues that matter most to you, and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. And if nothing else, at least we can all look forward to the political ads finally coming to an end!