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    Brian Kemp

    Brian Kemp

    Georgia flagGeorgia
    Politician

    politician•governor

    Also known as: BP Kemp

    Birthday

    November 2, 1963

    Birth Sign

    Scorpio

    Birthplace

    Athens, Georgia

    Age

    63 years old

    Height

    5 ft 10 in (178 cm)

    About

    Brian Porter Kemp is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 83rd Governor of Georgia. A member of the Republican Party, he has held the office since January 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2022. Before entering elected office, Kemp built a career in the private sector operating businesses in agriculture, financial services, and real estate.

    Kemp holds the distinction of being the first Republican elected governor of Georgia since Reconstruction who was not a former Democrat. His tenure as governor has been defined by his management of the state during the pandemic, his decision to certify the 2020 presidential election results despite pressure from then-President Donald Trump, and his subsequent passage of the Election Integrity Act. As of 2026, he remains one of the most influential figures in Southern politics while preparing to leave office in early 2027.

    Early Life & Background

    Born on November 2, 1963, in Athens, Georgia, Brian Kemp spent his formative years in a community deeply rooted in the University of Georgia culture. He attended public schools in Athens before enrolling at the university itself, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. This academic background laid the groundwork for a business career that would eventually fund his political ambitions.

    During his college years and shortly after graduation, Kemp developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He founded and operated several successful ventures, including Kemp Development and Construction, which specialized in residential and commercial projects. He also managed investments in agriculture and financial services. These enterprises were not merely side hustles; they became substantial assets that provided him with significant capital before he ever sought public office. Kemp often cited his experience as a small business owner as the driving force behind his later political philosophy regarding limited government and support for hardworking Georgians.

    His entry into formal politics began in 2002 when voters elected him to the Georgia State Senate representing District 57. He served in this capacity until 2007. Following his time in the legislature, he ran for Commissioner of Agriculture but lost the Republican primary. This setback led to a pivotal moment in his career when Governor Sonny Perdue appointed him as the Secretary of State of Georgia in 2010. He won full terms in this role in both 2010 and 2014, setting the stage for his eventual run for the governorship.

    Career Growth

    Kemp's rise to the governorship culminated in the 2018 election against Democrat Stacey Abrams. The race drew intense national attention due to allegations of voter suppression and Kemp's refusal to step down from his position as Secretary of State while campaigning. Despite these controversies, he won the general election narrowly. He resigned as Secretary of State shortly after his victory and took office as Governor on January 15, 2019.

    As governor, Kemp adopted a strong stance against pandemic restrictions, opposing face mask mandates and stay-at-home orders while blocking local jurisdictions from enforcing stricter rules than the state. His decision to certify the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia drew sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, despite clear legal requirements to do so. In 2021, he signed the Election Integrity Act into law, which expanded early voting options while tightening oversight of local election operations.

    In the 2022 election cycle, Kemp defeated former Senator David Perdue in a decisive Republican primary, overcoming backing from President Trump for Perdue. He then defeated Stacey Abrams again in the general election by a wider margin, securing his second term with her concession on election night. As of late 2026, Kemp is in the final days of his second term, having announced property tax cuts for Georgia homeowners just before leaving office.

    Career Timeline

    2002Elected to Georgia State Senate representing District 57
    2007Lost Republican primary for Commissioner of Agriculture
    2010Appointed Secretary of State of Georgia by Governor Sonny Perdue
    2010Won first full term as Secretary of State
    2014Won second full term as Secretary of State
    2015Managed massive data breach exposing over six million voter records
    2018Elected Governor of Georgia defeating Stacey Abrams
    2019Sworn in as 83rd Governor of Georgia
    2021Signed the Election Integrity Act into law
    2022Defeated David Perdue in Republican primary and Stacey Abrams in general election

    Public Image & Style

    Kemp is portrayed as a pragmatic conservative and a pro-business leader. His media presence focuses on economic growth, election integrity, and limited government intervention. He is often characterized by supporters as a defender of Georgia's sovereignty and by critics as a polarizing figure in the context of voting rights. His communication style is typically direct and policy-focused, avoiding the theatrical elements often seen in other political campaigns.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His influence is measured through political metrics rather than global celebrity rankings.

    There is no official fandom name for Brian Kemp. His support base is organized through the Republican Party of Georgia and various conservative advocacy groups. Fan campaigns typically focus on re-election efforts and policy advocacy rather than celebrity-style fan culture. Supporters often rally around his stances on election security and economic policy, while opponents organize around concerns regarding voting access and executive power.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Brian Kemp is a lifelong resident of Athens, Georgia, maintaining deep ties to the University of Georgia community throughout his life. Before his political career, he was known for his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments in the agricultural and construction sectors, a skill that translated well into his legislative work. He is also known for keeping his family life relatively private compared to his public persona, often sharing glimpses of his wife and children during holiday seasons rather than daily updates.

    The 2015 data breach at the Secretary of State's office, which exposed over six million voter records, remains a significant chapter in his career history. Additionally, his refusal to accept federal assistance from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election made him a unique figure among state officials at the time. In 2019, he was named "Person of the Year" by Georgia Trend magazine following his election.

    Notable Quotes

    ā€œI am going to make sure that every legal vote is counted and every illegal vote is rejected.ā€
    ā€œWe need to protect the integrity of our elections.ā€
    ā€œGeorgia is a great state with a bright future.ā€

    Family & Personal Life

    Brian Kemp is married to Marty Kemp, whom he met while attending the University of Georgia. The couple has been married since 1990 and have three children together: Brian Jr., Amanda, and Sarah. Their relationship is described as long-standing and stable throughout his public life. There are no publicly reported romantic relationships prior to or outside of his marriage to Marty Kemp. The Kemp family resides in Athens, Georgia, where they have maintained their home for decades. They are known to be active members of their local community and church.

    Notable Connections

    Stacey Abrams, David Perdue, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Donald Trump, Marty Kemp, Sonny Perdue

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Marriedto Marty Kemp

    Brian Kemp has maintained a single, long-term public relationship throughout his adult life. He met Marty Kemp while attending the University of Georgia, and the couple married in 1990. They have been together for over three decades and have raised three children: Brian Jr., Amanda, and Sarah. There are no publicly reported romantic relationships prior to or outside of his marriage to Marty Kemp. Their relationship is described as stable and supportive, with Marty often accompanying him at public events and campaign stops. As of late 2026, Brian Kemp remains married to Marty Kemp.

    • MarriedMarty Kemp1990 - presentCurrentMet at the University of Georgia; three children together.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $24 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Brian Kemp's net worth at approximately $24 million. This figure reflects his substantial wealth accumulated primarily through successful business ventures before entering politics, rather than his government salary. Prior to his political career, Kemp owned and operated several businesses, including Kemp Development and Construction, which specialized in residential and commercial projects. Reports indicate he sold these businesses for significant sums before entering the Secretary of State's office.

    While his annual salary as Governor of Georgia is approximately $175,000, this represents only a fraction of his total wealth. The Kemp family owns substantial real estate holdings in Athens and Atlanta, including their primary residence and investment properties. Kemp has also invested in various sectors, including agriculture and financial services, leveraging his background in agricultural economics. These diversified assets and past business sales form the bulk of his fortune, placing him in the upper tier of financially secure state governors.

    Awards & Accolades

    View 4 records, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Governor of Georgia

    2019 Ā· Governor

    Secretary of State of Georgia

    2010 Ā· Secretary of State

    Keywords

    Brian KempGeorgia GovernorRepublican PartyStacey AbramsElection Integrity Act2020 ElectionAthens Georgia

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    politician, governor, jurist
    Born
    November 2, 1963
    Birthplace
    Athens, Georgia
    Gender
    Male
    Spouse
    Marty Kemp
    Birth Sign
    Scorpio

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Brian Porter Kemp
    Height
    5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
    Spouse
    Marty Kemp
    Children
    Brian Jr. Ā· Amanda Ā· Sarah
    Education
    University of Georgia (B.S. in Agricultural Economics)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Brian Kemp still the governor of Georgia?
    Yes, as of late 2026, Brian Kemp is serving his second and final term as Governor of Georgia, set to leave office in January 2027.
    Who is Brian Kemp married to?
    Brian Kemp is married to Marty Kemp, whom he met at the University of Georgia. They have been married since 1990 and have three children.
    Why did Brian Kemp not run for re-election in 2026?
    Brian Kemp did not run for re-election in 2026 because he was already serving his second term, which limits him to two consecutive terms under Georgia law. He completed his term in January 2027.
    What is Brian Kemp's net worth?
    Estimates place Brian Kemp's net worth between $15 million and $25 million as of 2026, derived primarily from his successful business ventures in development and construction before entering politics.
    Did Brian Kemp win the 2022 election?
    Yes, Brian Kemp defeated Stacey Abrams in the 2022 gubernatorial election, winning by a wider margin than in 2018 after defeating David Perdue in the Republican primary.

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