The Latest: Kemp sworn in as Georgia's 83rd governor

Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2018, file photo, Brian Kemp speaks to supporters in Athens, Ga. Just prior to taking office, Georgia's Republican Gov. Brian Kemp quietly settled a lawsuit that said he owed $500,000 for a loan he negotiated and guaranteed for a struggling agricultural company. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

ATLANTA (AP) — The Latest on the inauguration of Republican Brian Kemp as Georgia's 83rd governor (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has struck a conciliatory tone in his inaugural address, saying he will work hard to represent all Georgians.

After his swearing-in Monday, Kemp said that while Georgia appears like a divided state "through the prism of politics," residents in reality have "so much in common."

Kemp's wife and daughters sat behind him, wiping tears from their faces as he spoke.

The new governor did not mention the conservative agenda that was at the center of his Republican primary campaign. That agenda includes tough abortion restrictions and a religious freedom law that critics say would allow discrimination.

Instead he touted a more moderate agenda he had highlighted during the general election that includes expanding access to health care, increasing teacher pay and supporting Georgia businesses. Kemp said he would support businesses large and small by cutting taxes and red tape.

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2:30 p.m.

Republican Brian Kemp is Georgia's 83rd governor.

Kemp was sworn in Monday before a crowd gathered at a stadium in Atlanta.

The ceremony took place before the GOP faithful, lawmakers, members of Kemp's Cabinet and Kemp's family.

Sylvia Turnage of Blairsville, Georgia said she had followed Kemp's political career for years and was excited to get to see him sworn in. Turnage said she liked Kemp because he pledged to support the agriculture industry and rural Georgians.

But state Democrats showed they weren't ready to put the rancorous 2018 election behind. A political group founded by Kemp's Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams is challenging the way Georgia elections are run in federal court, alleging "gross mismanagement."

Turnage said she thought the election was fair and Democrats were "unwise" to continue their challenge.

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1 a.m.

Republican Brian Kemp is set to be sworn in as Georgia's 83rd governor Monday in Atlanta.

The former Georgia secretary of state rose from underdog status to clinch a Republican primary runoff with tough talk on immigration and a nod from President Donald Trump.

His general election campaign against Democrat Stacey Abrams was marked by accusations of voter suppression and mismanagement against Kemp, who served as the state's chief election officer during his run.

Kemp vehemently denied the claim, pointing to record-setting voter registration numbers.

Kemp has promised to pursue conservative policies including signing tough abortion restrictions and a "religious freedom" bill that critics say allows discrimination against gay and lesbian citizens.

Kemp is 56 and a native of Athens, Georgia. He and his wife, Marty, have three teenage daughters.