Politics
Politics

How Gov. Deal is shaping the race to succeed him

May 8 marks the last day that Gov. Nathan Deal can veto legislation that won the General Assembly’s approval during this year’s session. Deal, whose term will end in January, has not been shy about vetoing bills. He rejected nine measures last year, and in 2016 he vetoed two of the most significant bills passed during that session, a campus gun measure and “religious liberty” legislation. (DAVID BARNES / DAVID.BARNES@AJC.COM)
May 8 marks the last day that Gov. Nathan Deal can veto legislation that won the General Assembly’s approval during this year’s session. Deal, whose term will end in January, has not been shy about vetoing bills. He rejected nine measures last year, and in 2016 he vetoed two of the most significant bills passed during that session, a campus gun measure and “religious liberty” legislation. (DAVID BARNES / DAVID.BARNES@AJC.COM)
By
May 7, 2018

The most liked figure in Georgia politics right now is not Donald Trump, Mike Pence, David Perdue or Barack Obama. It’s Gov. Nathan Deal. And his popularity is shaping the crowded race to succeed him.

Not so long ago, Deal was a pariah to some conservatives for his controversial vetoes and loathed by Democrats for refusing to expand Medicaid, enacting crackdowns on illegal immigration and a string of ethics-related issues.

But as the two-term governor enters the final stretch of his political career, even the Democratic candidates are tying themselves to his policies. And Republicans who once bitterly clashed with Deal now talk of him in glowing terms.

ExploreRead the rest of the story by clicking here.

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

Follow Greg Bluestein on facebookFollow Greg Bluestein on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Ja'Quon Stembridge — pictured speaking at the monthly Henry County Republican Party meeting in July — was elected over the summer as the assistant secretary of the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC 2025)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

It’s ‘deepfake’ season. Here’s how to spot AI in political ads.

Review sources with skepticism, and consider whether a particular image or video confirms preexisting — potentially controversial — beliefs, experts advise.

OBITUARY

AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, religious and political leader, dies at 71

Jackson served for eight years as head of 500 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia.

The Latest

Sam Foster would’ve been the city of Marietta’s youngest and first Black mayor in its 190-year history. (Courtesy)

Credit: Courtesy photo

LISTEN

He came close to making history in Marietta mayor’s race. He may run again.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

It’s ‘deepfake’ season. Here’s how to spot AI in political ads.

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.