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Georgia Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson announced Friday he has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer that has spread to his liver.

Thompson vowed to remain in office while he fights the disease.

“While we wait on a final prognosis for chemotherapy, I can assure you I will continue to be who I have always been – a fighter,” he wrote in a news release.

“I will continue to fulfill my duties as labor commissioner throughout this time and will work with my highly professional and qualified staff to ensure Georgia citizens are served with uninterrupted excellence.”

Thompson, a Republican from Cartersville, was elected labor commissioner in 2022. Before that, he served five terms as a state senator in a district that included Bartow and Cherokee counties and parts of Cobb County.

At various times, he chaired the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, the Science and Technology Committee and the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee.

Thompson asked that Georgians remember him and his staff in their prayers.