In a significant setback to GOP leaders who have been attempting for months to get him to run for one of their top midterm objectives, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has decided not to run for the US Senate.
Kemp made the announcement, putting a stop to years of rumours about his future that had effectively shut down the field of potential GOP contenders. As Republicans attempt to maintain their tiny majority in the chamber, Kemp was viewed as a crucial recruit for the 2026 cycle, and this comes after a fierce lobbying effort to bring him over.
“I have spoken with friends, fans, and national leaders several times in the past few weeks, and they have all urged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. Their prayers and support for our family are much appreciated,”
Kemp, a Republican, said.
“Next to those conversations, I’ve concluded that it is not in my family’s best interests for me to be on the ballot the next year. I promised to work with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier today to make sure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win in November of next year and who will eventually be a conservative voice in the US Senate that prioritises hardworking Georgians.”
According to a source, the governor announced his decision not to run for office to important Republican leaders on Monday. Kemp’s decision to withdraw from a candidacy for the Georgia seat, which occurred in spite of the South Dakota Republican’s attempts to persuade the governor to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the crucial contest, was criticised by Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed about that. He, of course, would have been a great candidate,”
Thune said when asked about Kemp. “But as I said before, that race is going to be competitive either way. The good news is there is a lot of interest and a lot of people who want to run for the Republican nomination.”
Several Republicans who are acquainted with the discussions said that Kemp had previously told GOP leaders he was not interested in running for office. Nevertheless, Republicans from President Donald Trump to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC Chair Tim Scott have tried to persuade him to run against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
The governor’s choice also follows the rejection of bids from a few other well-known candidates, including New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. In a statement, the Senate Leadership PAC, a super PAC connected to Republican leaders, declared that the party will not give up on ousting Ossoff. “SLF is dedicated to making sure Ossoff’s unintentional stay in Washington is limited to one term, and Republicans will have a strong candidate in 2026 with a deep bench of incredible Georgia leaders,” the statement said.
A bid for the seat has not been ruled out by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.
“I have a lot of choices at my disposal. In reference to her area in northwest Georgia,”
Greene has stated,
“There are the governor’s race, the Senate race, and then there is my district, which I love.”
Kemp asked supporters in a fundraising appeal if she should run for Senate before making her announcement on Monday.
