Candidate Proposed Georgia Grocery Tax Elimination

Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms outlined plans to cut taxes on essentials including diapers, formula, and food.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Regional Economics

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a crate of unbranded groceries in deep red and cream, representing tax policy changes. — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed eliminating state sales taxes on groceries and household essentials to lower costs for Georgia families. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe eliminating sales taxes on groceries and baby supplies would lower your family's costs?

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed eliminating state sales taxes on various household essentials, including groceries, diapers, and baby formula. The initiative aims to lower the cost of living for Georgia families as the election cycle moves forward.

Why it matters

Bottoms introduced these tax-cut proposals to address the rising cost of living, which she identified as the primary issue for Georgia households. The plan also includes a proposed pause on the state diesel fuel tax and an expansion of Medicaid to support rural hospitals.

While specific projected household savings were not detailed, the campaign has focused on tax relief for essential goods like food and hygiene products. Opponent Rick Jackson has reportedly spent $100 million on advertising, while Bottoms has committed to six public debates.

The players

Keisha Lance Bottoms

The Democratic gubernatorial nominee who is proposing changes to state tax policy and Medicaid access.

Rick Jackson

The opposing candidate who has reportedly spent $100 million on television advertising campaigns.

The details

The proposal focuses on removing the sales tax burden from basic necessities, such as family meals and feminine hygiene products, to provide direct relief to household budgets. Additionally, the candidate suggested a temporary halt on the diesel fuel tax to potentially stabilize transportation-related costs. The plan also calls for a Medicaid expansion intended to prevent further closures of hospitals in rural areas across the state.

September 25, 2026: Bottoms held an economic roundtable at the Tubman Museum.
Last week: Bottoms attended a candidate forum in Macon.

Money Landscape

The proposal to eliminate sales taxes on food and hygiene items seeks to alter the current Georgia tax structure by shifting the burden away from daily necessities. This initiative follows a broader trend of candidates targeting the cost of living as the central economic priority for voters.

Households should monitor these proposals for potential changes to their grocery and family budget costs, though no legislation has been enacted. If you are concerned about how these tax shifts could impact your personal financial planning, consult a qualified tax professional.

The takeaway

The proposed tax changes suggest a shift toward targeted relief for household essential spending. Voters should track upcoming candidate debates to better understand how these policies may be implemented if passed by the state legislature.