Kori Simmons

Kori Simmons (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Georgia State Senate to represent District 21. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m running because I believe government should work—plain and simple. Not just in theory, but in the day-to-day reality of people’s lives.

My background and experience have shown me how policy decisions actually play out, especially for families who don’t have much room for error when systems fail. I’ve seen what happens when infrastructure is neglected, when costs are pushed down the line, and when accountability is missing.

I’m not running to perform or repeat talking points. I’m focused on asking hard questions about how things are implemented, and following through on solutions that hold up over time. That means being practical, data-driven, and willing to raise the bar where it’s fallen short.

I believe in protecting individual rights, investing in strong public systems, and setting clear standards so growth doesn’t come at the expense of our communities.

This campaign is about making sure things are built to last—and that they work for the people they’re supposed to serve.

We’re going to do this, and we should do it right.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Government should work in practice, not just on paper. Too often, policies sound good but fall apart in implementation, leaving people to deal with the consequences. I’m focused on how things actually function — how decisions affect daily life, infrastructure, and long-term outcomes. That means asking hard questions, following through, and fixing what isn’t working instead of moving on to the next talking point.When there’s no accountability, costs get pushed onto the public, whether it’s failing infrastructure, rising expenses, or environmental damage. I believe in clear standards, transparency, and making sure decisions hold up over time. If something doesn’t work, we should know why and fix it. Government should be responsible to the people it serves, not insulated from the outcomes of its decisions.Growth is inevitable, but mismanaged growth is a choice. We need to plan for long-term impacts on infrastructure, housing, and natural resources instead of reacting after the fact. That means setting strong standards upfront so development doesn’t come at the expense of our communities. Done right, growth strengthens a region. Done poorly, it creates problems we end up paying for later.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I support protecting bodily autonomy, full stop. That includes access to abortion at all stages and the right of transgender people to live safely and make their own decisions without political interference. These are personal, medical decisions, and restricting them causes real harm. Protecting these rights means ensuring access to care, defending privacy, and equal protection under the law.

At the same time, I support stronger, enforceable environmental standards; especially as development accelerates. High-demand projects like data centers place real strain on power grids and water systems, and we need regulations that reflect that reality. Setting a higher bar upfront helps prevent long-term costs and protects our communities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Theodore Roosevelt, particularly his “New Nationalism” speech, because of its focus on ensuring government serves the public good over concentrated private power. What I take from his example is the idea that democracy only works when people have real access to opportunity. Not just formally equal rules, but systems that are actually fair in practice.

It also means recognizing that modern economies naturally concentrate power, so government has a responsibility to keep systems balanced and functional over time.

At its core, I value the idea that public systems should expand opportunity, prevent abuse of power, and ensure the rules actually work for the people they’re meant to serve.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Important qualities for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and the ability to stay grounded in facts.

Accountability to the people you represent, not just to party expectations or political pressure. Voters deserve transparency about how decisions are made and what tradeoffs exist.

Willingness to look at evidence and outcomes, and not just the short-term gains. If something isn’t working, it should be acknowledged and adjusted.

Independence and practical judgment: the resolve to make hard calls, disagree when necessary, and focus on what actually works rather than what sounds good.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of an elected official is to represent constituents in a real, functional way, not just symbolically. That means bringing community needs into the legislative process and reflecting them in policy decisions.

It also means making, evaluating, and voting on legislation based on whether it works in practice, not just whether it sounds good. Ensuring laws are implemented properly, agencies are accountable, and public resources are used effectively.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I had a job as a Boy Scout summer counselor. I taught Weather and Forestry Merit Badges

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and legislature should function as co-equal branches, each providing a necessary check on the other. The governor must be willing to stand firm against misinformation and act in the best interest of the state, not along party lines. The legislature’s role is to bring the voices and concerns of their constituents forward, grounded in facts, and work through differences to produce policies that are practical, accountable, and built to last.

The legislature should reflect the people; the governor should ensure what passes actually works.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges facing our state is short-term decision-making driven by misinformation rather than facts and long-term planning. Choices like cutting key revenue sources may feel beneficial now, but they can undermine education, infrastructure, and public health over time. We need to focus on policies that are sustainable and built to last: not just popular in the moment.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is necessary in policymaking: we represent everyone, not just those who agree with us. But compromise should never mean giving up core principles. The goal is to find workable solutions without sacrificing the standards that protect people’s rights, safety, and long-term well-being. I’m willing to work with anyone in good faith, but I won’t support deals that leave our communities worse off or trade away what matters most.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The first I remember? Exxon Valdez oil spill. I was young, but it strongly shaped my views on the environment, especially as I grew and learned more.