Georgia Elects Bottoms Governor as Balance of Power Shifts in General Assembly
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For the first time since 1990, Georgia voters elected Democrats to every statewide office on Tuesday's midterm ballot and shifted the balance of power in the General Assembly. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson to become Georgia's first female governor. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff also won reelection.
Georgia's newly elected statewide officers include:
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Subject to election certification by the Secretary of State, these new statewide officers will be sworn in when the General Assembly convenes for its 2027 Legislative Session on Jan. 11.
In the General Assembly, Democrats will control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2004, while Republicans expect to retain a narrow 29-27 Senate majority. More than 50 new legislators are expected to take office in January.
Georgia also has four new U.S. House Representatives, James Kingston (R-01), Houston Gaines (R-10), John Cowan (R-11) and Jasmine Clark (D-13). See profiles of each here.
For Georgia's banking industry, the changes will bring new legislative leadership, committee assignments and opportunities to build relationships. The divided legislature will require bipartisan cooperation on banking legislation, including financial regulation, fraud prevention, taxation and economic development. The incoming governor will also have a role in shaping the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, including future commissioner appointments.
“GBA congratulates those chosen by Georgia voters to lead our state and represent our communities,” said Elizabeth Chandler, GBA executive vice president, Government Relations & Advocacy. “Banking issues are not partisan. We look forward to working with elected officials from both parties to advance policies that support a strong banking industry and help Georgia's families, businesses and communities thrive.”
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Status of Important Cases for November 2026
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The latest ABA Newsbytes Banking Docket is now available. Read about the status of important cases here. Each article contains a “Read more” link with access to additional details on the issues, case summaries and links to related documents.
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Register Now! Annual BankPAC Sporting Clays Tournament
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We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for GBA’s eighth annual Sporting Clays Tournament! The event, which supports the GBA State BankPAC*, will be Feb. 4 at Old Hudson Plantation in Sparta. This four-person scramble tournament is a fun and challenging event and a great opportunity to invite your legislators, directors, customers and friends to meet and shoot a round of clays with your colleagues in the banking industry.
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Registration includes 100 targets, cart, one mulligan, one entry into Cotton Ball Drop Contest and a barbecue lunch. You may register as an Individual Shooter, a Four-Person Team, or a Four-Person Team + Stand Sponsorship. You don’t shoot? That’s no problem – show your support for the GBA State BankPAC through event sponsorship, with options ranging from $350 - $750. Click here to sign up.
If you do not have your team put together yet, go ahead and register and we’ll remind you when it’s time to plug in your team members. Contact GBA’s Mary Frances Miller with questions.
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* The GBA StatePAC contributes only to candidates running for state-level office such as the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor’s office and the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Contributions can be made by an individual, from bank funds if you are a state-chartered bank or from a national bank holding company if the contribution is made from funds other than those resulting from the operations of the national bank.
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Update on Georgia BankPAC Campaign
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We’re grateful for the continued support of the 2026 BankPAC campaign. Contribution forms along with all BankPAC information may be accessed on the advocacy page of our website with easy-to-follow options for making these contributions.
This week, contributions to the GBA StatePAC came from:
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Contributions to the GBA FedPAC came from eligible employees, officers and
directors of:
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Ag Lender Survey Shows Resilience, but Challenges Persist for Southern Farmers
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Coming on the heels of GBA's ag business tour last week, the 2026 Agricultural Lender Survey from the American Bankers Association and GBA Associate Member Farmer Mac offers a timely look at national and regional conditions affecting Georgia's agricultural economy. The survey of more than 600 agricultural lenders points to some encouraging signs, including resilient farmland values and expectations for increased loan demand. However, Southern farmers continue to face greater financial pressure than their counterparts in many other regions. Below are some highlights.
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- Loan demand expected to improve: Agricultural production loan demand was flat in the South in 2026, but lenders expect modest growth in 2027. Farmland values also remain relatively stable, with most Southern lenders expecting little change over the coming year.
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Mixed outlook across commodities: Strong livestock profitability nationally contrasts with tighter conditions for crop producers. Among lenders with exposure to fruits and nuts, 28% expressed high concern, while 25% of lenders with dairy exposure reported high concern, up from last year.
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Farm profitability remains under pressure: Southern lenders expect 56% of their agricultural borrowers to be profitable in 2026, compared with 59% nationally. Cotton, rice and soybean producers face particularly difficult conditions, with cotton surpassing grains as the top commodity concern nationally.
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Credit quality bears watching: Southern lenders reported the weakest agricultural loan performance among regions surveyed, with the highest index for rising delinquencies. Credit quality deterioration remains the top concern for agricultural lenders nationally.
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The full report includes additional findings on farm income, lending conditions and expectations for 2027.
Related: See below for a summary of our member tour of Valdosta-area farm businesses.
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Fraud Alert: Scammers Use Police Welfare Checks
to Pressure Victims
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The American Bankers Association has shared a warning about a reported scam in which fraudsters request a police welfare check on a victim while simultaneously calling the victim and demanding immediate payment under threat of arrest.
When actual officers arrive at the victim's home, the scammers use their presence to make the threat appear legitimate, pressuring the victim to send thousands of dollars.
Bankers should be alert to customers making urgent, unusual payments under threats of arrest. Remind customers that law enforcement will not demand payment over the phone or require fines to be paid with gift cards or cryptocurrency. We encourage members to share this warning with frontline teams and customers, noting that elder adults have most frequently been targeted.
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OCC Issues Supervisory Framework for Banks' Use
of Artificial Intelligence
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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a supervisory framework Nov. 4 to guide examiners in evaluating banks' use of super intelligence (SI), known commonly as artificial intelligence, and agentic SI, including associated risks and controls. The framework clarifies that SI is not a separate risk category, and banks should not be required to establish a separate SI risk appetite. Existing safety, soundness and compliance expectations still apply. The OCC plans to update the framework as technology evolves and stakeholders provide feedback. Read more.
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Happening now: GBA’s Financial Risk Management Conference is in session through Friday. The agenda includes an early read on the possible effects of election results and a host of timely content to help bank finance teams. Look for details and more photos next week.
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Members Enjoy South Georgia Tours Highlighting Farm Businesses
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GBA Ag Committee members and other bankers with significant ag portfolios got a firsthand look at South Georgia agriculture and industry during an Oct. 28-29 tour of ag-related businesses in the Valdosta area.
The tour included visits to the $350-million Walmart milk processing facility that opened in December, Wakefield Bio Char and South Georgia Pecan. Participants also toured Dupont Pine Products/Conner Holdings in Homerville for a look at its sawmill and wood-fuel pellet operations.
At the Shiloh Pecan farm in Ray City, the group explored the farm’s cleaning plant, harvesting processes, nursery and citrus orchards. The business is recovering after losing 30%-40% of its pecan trees during Hurricane Helene. The visits offered bankers a closer look at some of the operations and businesses that help drive the state’s number one industry. See photos here.
Special thanks to Ag Committee Past Chair Will Moore, WB&T Bankshares, for organizing the event and to the host businesses for sharing their time and expertise. Thanks also to sponsors CSRA Business Lending, represented by Randy Griffin and Cody Shepherd, and Farmer Mac, represented by Connor Poteet.
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John Ashford to Speak at January Legislative and Economic Forum
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We’re excited to announce that political analyst and consultant John Ashford, chairman & CEO of The Hawthorn Group, will be a featured speaker at our annual Legislative and Economic Forum Jan. 27 at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta. Ashford will share his perspective on the 2026 midterm election results and what to expect in the coming year. Ashford will join other experts and state leaders who will offer valuable insights into banking issues, the economy, and how legislative actions may impact the year ahead.
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The Forum will be from 3 – 6 p.m., followed by our annual Legislative Reception honoring members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, statewide Judiciary and other dignitaries.
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Explore AI's Risks and Rewards at GBA Credit Conference
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Credit and lending professionals, join us Dec. 3-4 in Savannah for GBA's 2026 Credit Conference. The GBA Credit Committee has planned a timely program featuring practical insights into the trends and challenges shaping bank lending, including this opening session:
Riding the Wave of AI Risk-Reward with Jimmy Sawyers, chairman and co-founder, Sawyers & Jacobs: AI presents exciting opportunities for banks, but how can you harness its potential while managing the risks? Sawyers will explore practical applications of AI to improve efficiency, strengthen risk management and enhance bank performance. He'll also address cybersecurity and fraud concerns, strategies for balancing risk and reward, and ways banks can use AI to increase revenue and reduce costs. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for developing an AI strategy that supports growth while protecting the bank.
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Hotel deadline approaching! Reserve your room at The DeSoto in Savannah by Sunday, Nov. 8, to take advantage of GBA's special group rates. The room block closes at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9.
Thank you to our event sponsors:
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Registration Open for GBA Operations and Technology Conference, March 3-5 in Savannah
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Operations and technology professionals, mark your calendars! Registration is now open for GBA's Operations and Technology Conference, March 3-5 at The DeSoto in Savannah. Developed by the GBA Operations & Technology Committee, the conference brings together bankers and nationally recognized experts to explore emerging trends, share best practices and tackle the challenges facing bank operations and technology teams. Beyond the sessions, attendees will have valuable opportunities to connect with peers, exchange ideas and gain fresh perspectives to take back to their banks.
Stay tuned for the full agenda, coming soon! In the meantime, make plans to join us in Savannah.
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Thank you to our sponsor already confirmed. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
Gold Sponsor
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More Upcoming Events and Training Opportunities
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Legislative and Economic Forum & Reception - Jan. 27, 2027, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown Atlanta
- IRA Academy - Feb. 17-19, 2027, Middle Georgia State University, Macon
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Georgia Banking School - April 25-30, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
- GBA Compliance School - April 25-30, 2027, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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PARTNERS, PRODUCTS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
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Free Webinar Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. - CECL Q-Factors: Reducing Manual Effort with Better Data and Consistency
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Join experts from GBA Strategic Partner Abrigo to learn how a more structured, data-driven approach to CECL qualitative factors can reduce manual work and subjectivity while improving consistency and transparency. Walk through ways to use modern tools to make the Q-factor process more efficient, identify trends in economic conditions and portfolio performance and streamline the collection of supporting data. You’ll also explore how to apply repeatable metrics, strengthen documentation and make qualitative adjustments more transparent and defensible. Register here.
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STRATEGIC PARTNER NCONTRACTS
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Free Webinar Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. - BSA/AML Risk Assessment: Is Yours Keeping Up with AML/CFT Changes?
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Join experts from GBA Strategic Partner NContracts to learn how to build a BSA/AML risk assessment that keeps pace with AML/CFT changes. Walk through the changes that matter most, including FinCEN’s national priorities and the move toward an effectiveness-based standard. You’ll see how to connect your products, customers and SAR history to the concerns reflected in enforcement actions. You’ll also learn how to update your assessment when triggers occur rather than on a fixed calendar. BSA/AML requirements have changed more in the past year than in the previous decade, and recent enforcement shows regulators are paying attention. Register for the free webinar.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER CYBERMAXX
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Q3 2026 Ransomware Report: Attacks Up 21.5% as Active Groups Grow
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GBA Associate CyberMaxx recently released its Q3 2026 Ransomware Research Report, which tracks ransomware and data extortion activity across industries and regions.
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Q3 saw a marked increase in activity, and the report examines the most active threat groups, industry targeting patterns and the geographic distribution of attacks worldwide.
Key findings in the report include:
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER HABERFELD
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Playing Offense: The Game Plan for Core Relationship Growth in 2027
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As banks navigate an increasingly competitive environment, sustainable growth depends on building deeper customer relationships rather than simply adding accounts. In a recent article, Associate Member Haberfeld outlines how to approach growth with the same discipline as a winning sports team: a clear game plan, defined roles, consistent execution and measurable results. The article notes that checking accounts remain the foundation of primary banking relationships, creating opportunities for deposits, payments, lending and other services. Key strategies include prioritizing relationship growth, empowering frontline teams, investing in training and maintaining accountability through performance measurement and targeted marketing. According to Haberfeld, banks that consistently execute these fundamentals can significantly outperform peers. Read the full article for additional insights and practical strategies, or visit www.haberfeld.com.
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Alpharetta – First City Bank
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The bank recently hosted a ribbon cutting for its new Alpharetta branch.
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Hannah Stephens and Christy Smith
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Cordele – Planters First Bank
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Hannah Stephens joined the bank as Cordele portfolio manager. Christy Smith has joined the bank as enterprise support analyst.
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Colony Bankcorp Inc., the holding company for Colony Bank, completed its merger with First Reliance Bancshares Inc., the holding company for First Reliance Bank, effective Nov. 1. The combined company has approximately $5 billion in assets and banking locations across Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.
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The bank announced plans to expand into Calhoun and Gordon County with a new full-service branch at 940 N. Wall St. in Calhoun, expected to open in November. The expansion follows the recent opening of the bank's Cartersville branch. Read more.
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Avery Hall has been promoted to assistant vice president.
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| Blackshear – PrimeSouth Bank
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In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the bank’s Blackshear team assembled 25 purple bags filled with items for mothers and children served by Magnolia House.
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| Cairo – First National Bank
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Cairo Relationship Manager Chip Wells, who serves as head coach of the Grady 4-H Archery Team and is active in the Rotary Club of Cairo, volunteered at the club's Pavement for a Purpose 5K Halloween Edition. The event raises funds for local scholarships.
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Cordele – Planters First Bank
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The bank’s Cordele team volunteered at a community cleanup, collecting litter and helping keep local streets clean.
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Bank team member Matthew Weigel visited East Laurens High School to speak with students about personal finances and developing smart financial habits.
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BankSouth and BankSouth Mortgage sponsored a barbecue lunch at the Athens Area Realtors' annual golf tournament. The event supported Divas Who Win, Lydia's Place and Mercy Health.
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Hawkinsville – SunMark Community Bank
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The bank’s Hawkinsville team visited the Pulaski County Senior Center to share financial literacy and fraud prevention tips. Also, through its October Casual Cause initiative, the bank supported Operation Care Packages through the 21st Century Partnership, helping provide care packages to military service members during the holiday season.
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Read All About It: Send Us Your News
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We want to share your news with your colleagues across the state. Please forward your announcements and photos to GBA's David Oliver and Katina Weiss.
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Recruit, Retain and Develop the Best Bankers with GBA's Job Bank
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GBA will post open positions, free of charge, for GBA members. See the open positions in Georgia here. We will also post professional summaries for bank-job seekers on our Bankers Available page. Contact Katina Weiss, 404.420.2021, with questions or needs.
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