Brian Kemp passes on Senate run in Georgia to challenge Jon Ossoff
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced that he will not run for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 election, a decision that is expected to significantly impact the Republican Party’s efforts to challenge Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat. Kemp, who is well-regarded within the GOP, opted out after discussions with key Republican leaders, citing personal reasons for his choice. He has expressed his intention to support the party in identifying a strong conservative candidate for the Senate race. Several Georgia Republicans, including Reps. Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, and Mike Collins, are already positioning themselves to enter the race, while others, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have not dismissed the possibility of a run. This decision by Kemp could lead to a fierce primary battle among GOP contenders.
Brian Kemp bows out of 2026 Georgia Senate race, setting stage for fierce GOP primary
Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) has opted not to run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia’s 2026 election, a decision that could reshape the GOP’s path to unseating Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and trigger a high-stakes Republican primary.
Kemp, a popular Republican, has decided against a run after sitting down last month with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC).
The governor told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he wouldn’t run for Senate in 2026, citing personal reasons, but pledged to support the GOP in finding and backing a strong, conservative candidate who can win.
“After those discussions, I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family,” he said.
Several Georgia Republicans have been positioning themselves for a possible Senate run even before Kemp announced his decision. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) has hinted he might enter the race if Kemp steps aside, while Reps. Rich McCormick (R-GA) and Mike Collins (R-GA) told Fox News they are keeping their options open. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has not ruled out a run, either.
In February, state Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper shared on X that he met with the NRSC, and Insurance Commissioner John King told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last year that he would seriously consider a campaign, but only if Kemp chooses not to run.
This is a developing story.
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