Georgia’s Kemp Won’t Run for Senate, Sparking GOP Speculation

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced he will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, a decision that has surprised many Republicans who viewed him as a strong candidate.

Kemp, a two-term governor, stated that stepping into the Senate race is “not the right decision for me and my family.” He spoke with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier about ensuring the Republican nominee can win in the upcoming election.

With Kemp out of the race, the GOP is left to consider other candidates to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who won his seat in a dramatic runoff in January 2021. Congressman Marjorie Taylor Greene and several others have already expressed interest in entering the race.

Greene, a polarizing figure within the party, told NBC News that she is exploring her options for a Senate bid. “I have just a lot of options open to me,” she said. Other potential candidates include Reps. Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, and Mike Collins.

Republicans believe they have a strong chance of flipping Ossoff’s seat, even without Kemp. “While Jon Ossoff is running to impeach President Trump, Republicans have a number of strong candidates who can build a winning coalition,” said Joanna Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman Maeve Coyle criticized Kemp’s decision, claiming it shows the Republican Party’s difficulties in recruiting candidates and might jeopardize their majority in future races.

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll indicates that Kemp has a strong 60% approval rating among voters, putting him nearly even with Ossoff in potential head-to-head matchups. The poll shows Kemp at 49% against Ossoff’s 46%, which highlights his crossover appeal among independents and some Democrats.

Despite the pressure for him to run and the possibility of reshaping Georgia’s political landscape, Kemp has not confirmed any plans for a campaign. His potential candidacy has halted the current political landscape as other candidates await his decision.

As for Ossoff, he is preparing for the race regardless of who his opponent may be, having built a significant campaign war chest. He is reported to be focusing on bipartisan appeal and taking a stand against cuts proposed by the Trump administration.