Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced on Monday that he’s forgoing a bid to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) in Georgia next year, delivering a major blow to Republicans who sought to recruit him for the race. “Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country who encouraged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. I greatly appreciate their support and prayers for our family,” the two-term GOP governor said in a post on the social platform X. “After those discussions, I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family,” he continued, adding that he had spoken with President Trump and Senate GOP leadership about the decision earlier that day, expressing his “commitment to work alongside them to ensure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win next November.” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp opts out of 2026 Senate race I felt like the Senate seat was his if he wanted it. I wonder if this means he is eyeing the 2028 Presidential race instead
Brian Kemp is an astute politician. Apparently he sees a Blue wave in 2026 and may feel that an election that appeared to be a slam dunk for him may end up being very competitive with the real possibility being an Ossoff election. There is also the very real possibility that Kemp may looking at the Republican nomination in 2028.
I dont think he would not run for Senate to run for president later. More likely he sees the paradigm shift coming in 2026. Pubs will likely lose the house for a generation.
Kemp has good political instincts-and likely didn’t want to have to demonstrate fealty day after day. Life’s too short.
Kemp has done some things I don't agree with but he has done some good stuff for the state including pay raises for teachers and cops and making a chunk of my retirement non taxable.
