Endorsements
“Today, I’m happy to announce my strong support for Kirkland. I know that being a leader means having the courage to make tough choices. From his time on Duluth’s City Council and throughout his current campaign, this young leader has shown he has what it takes to get results for Gwinnett. I look forward to seeing the positive change he brings to Gwinnett and Georgia.”
— ROY BARNES, FORMER DEMOCRATIC GEORGIA GOVERNOR
“I am proud to be a supporter of Kirkland Carden for District 1 Gwinnett County Commission. Serving on the Duluth City Council with Kirkland has given me the opportunity to witness his genuine interest and commitment to improving the quality of life in Gwinnett. As Mayor of Duluth, I am interested in having a county commissioner that will work with the 16 Gwinnett cities and understand the economic strength that cities bring to Gwinnett. Kirkland promises to establish a working partnership with Gwinnett cities that encourages collaborative decision making and strategic planning. Kirkland is in touch with the constituents and understands the positive effects that can be fostered when a county and its cities work together.”
— NANCY HARRIS, MAYOR, CITY OF DULUTH
“As a resident of District 1, I know that Kirkland brings a level of experience, integrity, and vision that we need in Gwinnett's leadership as we grow and move forward. I’m proud to have called Kirkland my friend for years and look forward to him winning the election.”
– ZAHRA KARINSHAK, STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 48
“As the chair of the Gwinnett County Delegation, I regularly interact with the community, business, and county leaders on critical issues. This interaction has allowed me to see leaders and citizens in different situations and provides insight to a persons character or nature, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse Councilman Kirkland Carden for Gwinnett County Commission District 1. Kirkland has the wisdom, passion for public service, and leadership necessary to take on some of our toughest challenges. I’ve seen him work with leaders in Gwinnett to get things done to help our residents, and I've seen him stand up for our shared Democratic values. Kirkland will work to make life better for everyone in Gwinnett, including our immigrant community, and the working and middle class. I’m excited to see what Kirkland will do for Gwinnett as a county commissioner.”
— PEDRO “PETE” MARIN, GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 96
“As a member of the Duluth City Council I’ve witnessed firsthand Kirkland’s commitment to public service, his professionalism, his leadership, and the knowledge and passion that he brings to the job day in and day out. Gwinnett County District 1 residents will have an engaged and visionary county commissioner in Kirkland, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him in this race.”
— GREG WHITLOCK, CITY COUNCILMAN, CITY OF DULUTH
“I’m excited to support Kirkland’s candidacy for Gwinnett County Commission – District 1. I’ve witnessed him innovate as a councilman to solve municipal challenges, collaborate with people from all walks of life and lead with integrity and ambition. I know he’ll bring what our County needs to progress forward.”
— EVERTON BLAIR, GWINNETT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 4
“I am proud to support Kirkland Carden as the leader Gwinnett County needs to help it move into the 21st century. As an experienced member of Duluth’s city council, he understands how government works, and has experience collaborating with people from different backgrounds in order to achieve his goals. As a long-time MARTA advocate and daily rider, he also understands how critical MARTA expansion is going to be to Gwinnett’s economic future, and will work hard to get the best deal possible for the county as it grapples with its transit issues.”
— JOSEPH GEIERMAN, MAYOR OF DORAVILLE
KIRKLAND HAS ALSO BEEN ENDORSED BY:
Former State Rep. Stacey Abrams
Fair Fight Action
Asian American Action Fund
Former House Minority Leader Bob Trammell, District 132
El Mahdi-Holly, State Representative, District 111
Craig Newton, Mayor of Norcross
Kelly Kelkenberg, Former City Councilman, City of Duluth
Matt Myers, City Councilman, City of Norcross
Heather Hall, City Councilwoman, City of Suwanee
Marc Cohen, City Councilman, City of Sugar Hill
Roger Marmol, Former City Councilman, City of Snellville
Former Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, District 41
Eric Christ, City Councilmember, City of Peachtree Corners
Shelly Hutchinson, State Representative District 107
Brian Whiteside, Former Gwinnett County Solicitor General