We are just days from the July 24 runoff election and South Georgia voters have a lot of decisions to make. With candidates up and down the ballot, we have the opportunity to choose leaders who will take the reins and move our community, region and state forward.

While negative attack ads often make it difficult to decide, I am proud to endorse Brian Kemp as Georgia’s next governor. 

On the issues, Kemp and I see eye-to-eye. He’s a fiscal conservative who wants to limit government overreach, slash regulations, lower taxes, enhance educational outcomes, protect life and people of faith and keep our families safe from drugs and crime. But the real reason I’m backing Kemp is because I trust him.

For 30-plus years, Kemp has been in the private sector – building businesses, growing jobs and providing for his family. He started his first company with a pickup truck and a shovel. Decades later, he has experience in agri-business, farming, banking, manufacturing and real estate. 

Brian Kemp entered into public service out of frustration with government and he’s worked every day to deliver for hardworking Georgians throughout our state. As Secretary of State, Kemp traveled to all 159 counties and is the only candidate in the race for governor who has done that. 

He’s spent considerable amounts of time in South Georgia – meeting with voters, listening to concerns and developing plans to strengthen rural communities. He is the candidate that has met voters face to face, looked them in the eye, answered their questions and asked for their support.

It’s no surprise that hundreds of elected officials and grassroots leaders – including 33 Statehouse members, three state senators, 18 former legislators and hundreds of local elected officials from every corner of the state – endorsed Kemp for governor. 

They know he’s a man of his word and won’t forget people like us after he’s elected.

Finally, it’s impossible to offer my endorsement for Brian Kemp without addressing the elephant in the room. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle was caught on tape insulting hardworking Georgians like us. Even worse, he confessed to trading votes that he deemed “bad” public policy for campaign contributions. I don’t know about you but that’s not the type of leader I’m looking for in the governor’s office.

So as you prepare to vote early or on Election Day, ask yourself the real question: Who do you trust to lead Georgia forward by fighting for us down in South Georgia? I can tell you without hesitation that Brian Kemp will do the right thing when no one is looking. Join me in supporting Kemp for governor.

John Corbett is District 174 state representative.