Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has welcomed the return of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game to Atlanta, highlighting the economic benefits for local businesses and the Atlanta Braves franchise. The decision to bring the event back comes four years after the league moved it to Denver in 2021 due to the state’s voting law, which critics argued suppressed minority votes. Kemp criticized the league’s initial move and praised the current decision, calling it a positive step for Georgia’s economy.
The 2021 All-Star Game, originally scheduled at Truist Park, was relocated to Denver after Georgia lawmakers passed the Election Integrity Act of 2021. This law introduced new restrictions on voting by mail, added voter ID requirements, and limited ballot drop boxes. Critics, including then-President Joe Biden, accused the law of suppressing the votes of racial minorities and likened it to ‘Jim Crow on steroids.’
Kemp, on Monday, cited increased participation among minority voters in Georgia and criticized Democrats and the national media for overplaying the election integrity measures with their criticism. He argued that the league made a mistake in moving the game, suggesting the league should apologize for its prior decision. Kemp also emphasized the importance of secure, accessible, and fair elections, stating that the law was a reflection of Georgia’s values.
The 95th Midsummer Classic is scheduled for July 15th and will mark the third time Atlanta has hosted the game. Kemp anticipates a ‘great economic week’ for his state as baseball fans gather to watch the sport’s top stars take the field. The event is expected to boost local businesses, particularly those surrounding Truist Park and in Cobb County, which are likely to benefit from increased foot traffic and consumer spending.