Key Takeaways:
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has decided not to run for the Senate, leaving Republicans without a strong candidate to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has expressed interest in running, which could cause problems for the GOP.
- Greene might win the primary but could struggle in the general election due to her controversial past.
- Some Democrats are excited about the possibility of running against her, but they shouldn’t underestimate her.
- Republicans may regret backing Greene in the past, as her extreme views could hurt their chances.
Georgia Republicans’ Worst Nightmare? Marjorie Taylor Greene Might Run for Senate
Georgia Republicans are in a tough spot. Gov. Brian Kemp, who was their best chance to beat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, has decided not to run for the Senate. Now, things might get even worse for them. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, known for her controversial remarks and actions, is thinking about jumping into the race.
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene Could Be a Problem for Republicans
Greene is no stranger to controversy. She has made headlines for promoting conspiracy theories, like doubting the truth about 9/11, school shootings, and her ties to QAnon. She has also faced criticism for attending events linked to white nationalists. These actions have made her a divisive figure, even within her own party.
Analyst Aaron Blake points out that while Greene might win the Republican primary, she could lose badly in the general election. Her extreme views and past actions make it hard for her to appeal to a wider audience. For example, in her last election, she underperformed compared to former President Donald Trump, even though her district is heavily Republican. This could be a warning sign for her Senate run.
Democrats Are Cheering, but They Shouldn’t Celebrate Just Yet
Some Democrats are thrilled about the possibility of Greene running. They think her controversial image would make it easy to beat her in the general election. However, Blake warns that Democrats shouldn’t underestimate her. If she becomes the GOP nominee, she could still win, especially if Democrats don’t take the race seriously.
How Did Greene Become a Serious Candidate?
Greene’s rise is partly due to the Republican Party’s own actions. Two years ago, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy formed an alliance with her to keep the party’s far-right members in line. This move backfired. McCarthy lost his position as Speaker, and now Greene is in a position to potentially ruin the party’s chances in Georgia.
What’s at Stake for Republicans?
The Georgia Senate race is crucial for Republicans. The state has become a battleground in recent elections, and the GOP can’t afford to lose it. If Greene runs and loses, it could hurt their chances of taking control of the Senate. However, if she wins the primary and then loses the general election, it would be another blow to a party already struggling to appeal to moderate voters.
The Bottom Line
Georgia Republicans are in a difficult situation. Kemp’s decision not to run has left them without a strong candidate. If Greene enters the race, she could win the primary but might cost the party the general election. For Democrats, this seems like a dream scenario, but they shouldn’t get too confident. After all, politics is full of surprises, and anything can happen between now and Election Day.