Key Takeaways:
- Georgia Governor Brian Kemp won’t run for the U.S. Senate, leaving Republicans with weaker candidates.
- His decision could open the door for controversial Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to seek the nomination.
- Kemp faced backlash from Trump supporters after the 2020 election, which cost Trump Georgia.
- Trump repeatedly attacked Kemp, blaming him for his loss and accusing him of failing to tackle crime.
- Kemp pushed back against Trump, defending his family and record as governor.
- Despite tensions, Kemp and Trump managed to work together enough to help Republicans in Georgia during the 2024 elections.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Drops Out of Senate Race, Leaving GOP in a Tight Spot
In a surprise move, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced he won’t run for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming election. This decision has left Republicans scrambling, as Kemp was seen as their best shot to win the seat currently held by Democrat Jon Ossoff. Without Kemp in the race, the GOP is now stuck with a list of candidates who are far less popular and less likely to win.
The situation has also raised eyebrows because it could pave the way for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right and highly divisive figure, to run for the Senate nomination. Greene is known for her controversial views and has been a lightning rod for criticism. While she has a strong base of supporters, many Republicans worry she would struggle to win a general election against Ossoff.
Why Kemp Mattered in the Senate Race
Kemp has been a key figure in Georgia politics since he became governor in 2018. He has a proven track record of winning statewide elections, including his 2022 reelection. Kemp’s decision to skip the Senate race is a big blow to Republicans, who were counting on him to flip the seat.
“Kemp was the GOP’s best hope to win this Senate race,” said one political analyst. “Without him, the party is in a tough spot. They’re now forced to pick from candidates who don’t have the same level of support or experience.”
The MAGA Wing’s Role in Kemp’s Decision
Kemp’s relationship with the MAGA wing of the Republican Party has been rocky for years. After the 2020 presidential election, Trump supporters turned on Kemp, blaming him for Trump’s narrow loss in Georgia. Kemp became a target for Trump himself, who accused him of not doing enough to overturn the election results.
“Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party!” Trump wrote on Truth Social last year. He also criticized Kemp’s handling of crime in Georgia and suggested Kemp and his wife were complicit in criminal charges brought against him by Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis.
Kemp fired back at Trump, telling him to “leave my family out of it.” Despite their differences, Kemp and Trump managed to work together during the 2024 elections to help Republicans in Georgia.
GOP Pundit Erick Erickson Calls Out MAGA Republicans
Georgia-based GOP strategist Erick Erickson weighed in on Kemp’s decision, pointing out the irony of the situation. “Georgia MAGA assailed Kemp for years, primaried him, got beat by him, made a big deal about voting 3rd party or not at all in the general election in 2022, and are now whining that Kemp won’t run for the Senate,” Erickson wrote on X. “Children.”
Erickson’s comments highlight the tension within the Republican Party. Many MAGA supporters have long been critical of Kemp, but now they’re complaining that he’s not stepping up to run for the Senate. This kind of infighting could hurt the GOP’s chances in the upcoming election.
What’s Next for the Georgia Senate Race?
With Kemp out of the race, the Republican field is wide open. Several candidates are expected to announce their bids in the coming weeks, but none have the same level of recognition or support as Kemp. Meanwhile, Jon Ossoff is gearing up for his reelection campaign, and Democrats are confident they can hold onto the seat.
The possibility of Marjorie Taylor Greene entering the race adds another layer of complexity. While Greene has a passionate base of supporters, her controversial past could make it harder for Republicans to win over moderate voters in the general election.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on Georgia. The state has become a battleground in national politics, and this Senate race could play a major role in determining the balance of power in Washington.
The Bigger Picture for Republicans
Kemp’s decision to skip the Senate race is just the latest example of the challenges facing the Republican Party. After disappointing results in the 2022 midterm elections and ongoing infighting between different factions of the party, Republicans are struggling to find a path forward.
The MAGA wing of the party, led by figures like Trump and Greene, continues to pull the GOP in a more radical direction. This has alienated some moderate voters and made it harder for the party to win general elections.
As the 2024 elections approach, Republicans will need to find a way to unite if they want to regain control of the Senate. For now, Kemp’s decision has left them in a difficult position, scrambling to find a viable candidate who can take on Ossoff.
Conclusion
Brian Kemp’s decision to skip the Senate race has thrown the Georgia GOP into chaos. With weaker candidates now vying for the nomination, the party’s chances of flipping the seat are looking slim. Meanwhile, the MAGA wing’s infighting and attacks on Kemp have come back to haunt them, as they’re now left without their strongest candidate.
Only time will tell how this situation will unfold, but one thing is clear: the Georgia Senate race just got a lot more interesting. Stay tuned for more updates as the story continues to develop.