Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson has passed away at the age of 59, following an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones on Sunday.
Thompson, a Republican elected statewide, took office in 2023 after being elected labor commissioner in 2022. The Georgia Department of Labor, which he oversaw, is responsible for managing unemployment insurance and assisting job seekers.
When Thompson assumed control of the department, it had been struggling due to a surge in unemployment claims during the pandemic. His predecessor, Republican Mark Butler, faced criticism over the department’s handling of the crisis.
In August 2023, Thompson revealed that his office had discovered more than $105 million in funds that should have been returned to the state treasury, accusing previous leadership of mismanaging the money. Despite his cancer diagnosis, Thompson remained active in his role, even stepping in as a speaker at the Georgia Republican Convention in June 2023 after another guest canceled.
When Bruce Thompson revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, he shared that the disease had spread to his liver, but vowed to keep fighting. He stated, “I can assure you I will continue to be who I have always been — a fighter,” emphasizing that he had faced many tough challenges throughout his life and had never given up. “This farm boy from Montana doesn’t intend to start now,” he added.
Thompson began his political career in December 2013 when he was elected to the state Senate, and he was reelected four times. In 2022, he won a Republican primary for labor commissioner and later triumphed over Democrat William Boddie and Libertarian candidate Emily Anderson in the general election.
An Army veteran, Thompson was also an entrepreneur, founding two automatic swimming pool cover companies, an insurance agency, an insurance software business, and a commercial development company. During his time in the state legislature, he was known for his strong anti-abortion stance and advocacy for adoption.
Governor Brian Kemp will appoint a replacement for Bruce Thompson, who will serve the remainder of Thompson’s four-year term, which runs until early 2027.
Kemp praised Thompson as a successful businessman and a respected community leader, noting that he was a passionate advocate for his beliefs throughout his service to Georgia. The governor expressed gratitude for Thompson’s dedication to the state and admired the strength and courage he demonstrated during his battle with cancer.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, along with others, highlighted Thompson’s strong Christian faith, also noting that as labor commissioner, Thompson implemented significant changes to improve workforce outcomes across Georgia.
Thompson is survived by his wife, Becky, daughter, Faith, and son, Max.
