Gubernatorial candidates promote affordability agendas as early voting nears

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Democratic candidate for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed new measures to reduce auto insurance costs in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.

Credit: Sarah Kallis/GPB News

Georgia’s candidates for governor, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson are traversing the state touting their plans to address some of the economic challenges people are facing.

On Wednesday, Bottoms rolled out part of her policy package aiming to make driving more affordable.

It includes removing a 2.25% state tax on auto insurance payments and passing those savings on to customers, limiting rate increases to annually, and creating a Georgia insurance advocate.

She says the state also needs options for those who can’t afford auto insurance.

"We will also work to create a low-cost basic policy for Georgia drivers who meet income requirements," she said. 

Although state law says that all drivers must be insured, about 18% of Georgia's drivers do not have insurance, which can increase premiums for insured drivers. 

She also proposed lowering the state gas tax from 33 cents to 28 cents per gallon.

At a campaign rally in Monroe County on Monday, Jackson promised to slash income tax in half, and praised Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to suspend the state gas tax until Oct. 29. 

"We will suspend the gas tax when outside events send prices sharply up higher, just like Gov. Kemp," Jackson said. 

In August, Jackson proposed a policy to suspend the state gas tax automatically if prices rise 35 cents or more within a week or 75 cents in 30 days. 

Early voting starts Oct. 13. Election Day is Nov. 3.