Kemp: No special session before January

Gov. Brian Kemp will not call a special session of the Georgia General Assembly before his term ends in January. He made the decision public in a statement released on Wednesday morning.

Kemp said he will respect the outcome of Tuesday's elections, which he described as secure, accessible, and fair. He explicitly ruled out using an extra meeting to debate redistricting changes or to limit executive branch powers.

The governor noted that some budgetary issues may require attention before the regular session begins in January. Those financial matters are the only reason he might summon lawmakers back to the Capitol during the winter.

The announcement comes after former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was declared the winner of the gubernatorial race on Tuesday night. She defeated Republican nominee Rick Jackson and will assume office in January. Kemp took to personal social media accounts to congratulate Bottoms and Sen. Jon Ossoff on their victories.

Ossoff's retention of his Senate seat allowed Democrats to regain control of the U.S. Senate, and the party also took back the U.S. House. Kemp said he believes conservative principles lead to greater freedom, security, and prosperity. He urged his party to return to those core values in the coming months and years.

The governor thanked Jackson and other Republican candidates for running spirited campaigns. He also expressed personal support for the incoming governor and her family as they prepare to lead the state for the next four years.