Monday afternoon, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced he will not run for the United States Senate. Kemp, a two-term Republican Governor, is term-limited and will depart the Governor’s Mansion in 2027. In a statement, Kemp says, ‘I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family.’
The move now creates a domino effect as the GOP searches for the candidate best equipped to potentially oust Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in the 2026 Elections.
“I spoke with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier today and expressed my commitment to work alongside them to ensure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win next November, and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first,” Kemp said in a statement.
According to polls, Kemp was the lone Republican that was not underwater against Ossoff. Kemp was three points ahead of Ossoff according to a recent poll conducted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Moreover, Kemp’s popularity among Georgia Republicans had him in prime position for a Senate run. His popularity was so great, Governor Kemp was being recruited by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and U.S. Senator Tim Scott.
A look back on History
Before becoming Governor, Brian Kemp was Georgia’s Secretary of State. In 2018, Kemp was accused of blocking more than 53,000 voter registration applications. In fact, 70% of those applications were from African-Americans, according to an Associated Press analysis. Moreover, allegations of voter suppression dogged his election effort.
At the time, Kemp insisted it was much to-do about nothing.
“Stacey Abrams is accusing me of following the law,” Kemp said. “When people hear the truth, they’re going to be outraged that Stacey Abrams is lying to them.”
In the end, Kemp pulled out of the final debate en route to winning the 2018 Georgia Governor’s race.
What’s next?
Kemp’s announcement set off a barnstorm of speculation of names that could challenge Ossoff. U.S. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rich McCormick, Buddy Carter and Mike Collins are among the front runners.
Greene relishes the idea of being public enemy number one within the Democratic Party of Georgia. While her district overwhelmingly went for Trump in 2024, Greene has not ruled out challenging Ossoff in the 2026 Elections. Greene previously said she will run for the seat if Georgia Governor Brian Kemp does not run. In a conversation with NewsNation’s The Hill, Greene was non-committal regarding a potential gubernatorial bid.
“Well first we all in Georgia thank Gov. Kemp. He’s been a great governor. He’s still our governor,” Greene said. “We wish him well in any future endeavor that he and his family decides to pursue and I am grateful for the support I have in Georgia. The polling shows that I can win the governor’s primary or the senate’s primary or continue to represent my district – that’s a choice that I can make. and I’ll give it some thought.”
Although, if Greene does decide to run for Governor, it would rankle the ire of establishment Republicans statewide because most are presumably backing Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. Meanwhile, the Ossoff campaign was not unfazed by Kemp’s announcement.
“As we’ve said for the past few months, Senator Ossoff is well-prepared to defeat any challenger,” said Campaign Manager Ellen Foster. “As Republicans scramble in the aftermath, our campaign will continue to build insurmountable momentum needed to win next November.”