Holmes qualifies to run for Labor Commissioner post

ATLANTA – Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes has officially filed her qualifying paperwork at the Georgia State Capitol to seek a full term. Accompanied by her family and supporters, Holmes staked her claim to a term defined by historic employment numbers and an aggressive mandate to transform the Department of Labor from an outdated bureaucracy into a responsive, 21st-century agency.

Appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in March 2025, Holmes made history as Georgia’s first Latina constitutional officer. A first-generation American and veteran economic developer, she transitioned from driving local investment in rural Georgia to overhauling the department with a relentless, bottom-line focus on serving Georgians and unlocking opportunity.

“Five million Georgians are at work today because we chose results over politics,” Holmes said. “Our state’s economic momentum is undeniable, but I didn’t take this role to maintain the status quo — I took it to solve problems and deliver.

“It’s a new era at the Georgia Department of Labor. Today isn’t just a legal filing; it’s a pledge to continue our transformation into a lean, 21st-century agency that moves at the speed of business, slashes red tape, and ensures every Georgian has a path to prosperity.”

Holmes said her platform is defined by three core pillars:

• Unleashing economic power by empowering small businesses and communities to serve as the primary engine of Georgia’s growth.
• Restoring accountability by ending bureaucratic delays and aggressively rooting out fraud to ensure a fair, transparent, and level playing field for every employer and worker.
• Modernizing government by replacing outdated systems with high-speed technology that saves taxpayer time and delivers the efficient, reliable services Georgians deserve.
  

“Georgia’s economy is hitting historic milestones, with more than 5.2 million Georgians employed and wage growth reaching a robust 4.3%,” Holmes said “But for me, these aren’t just statistics; they represent families with greater security and communities with new opportunity.

“My mission is the essential work happening beneath those numbers: Fostering the partnership between our businesses and our work force. I’m committed to ensuring our businesses have the talent they need to grow and that every Georgian has access to a quality, mortgage-paying career.”

Holmes enters the 2026 cycle with a commanding fundraising advantage, signaling broad statewide confidence from both grassroots supporters and the business community. Her campaign promises a robust, aggressive race focused on the future of Georgia’s workers and businesses.Visit barbaraforga.com to get involved, donate, or learn more about the candidate.