Brian Kemp passed on a Georgia Senate run. Then he threw himself in the middle of the GOP primary

Brian Kemp Passes on Georgia Senate Run, Joins GOP Primary

Brian Kemp passed on a Georgia Senate bid in May, but his political influence hasn’t waned. The governor, who now faces a GOP primary race, has taken an active role in shaping the campaign. “We’ve struggled in Senate races lately, and this is our last shot to win back this seat,” Kemp said during a recent appearance at a suburban coffee shop, just days before Tuesday’s primary. His strategy centers on backing the strongest GOP contender to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, while staying out of the race himself. This move reflects a shift in the party’s approach, where Kemp’s leadership has become a key asset in a fractured contest.

A Strategic Shift in the GOP Race

Kemp’s decision to step aside initially surprised national GOP leaders, who had positioned him as the party’s top Senate pick. However, his absence has not diminished his impact. Instead, Kemp has become a central figure in the primary, endorsing Derek Dooley—a former University of Tennessee football coach—as the GOP’s best chance to secure a Senate victory. His support underscores a broader effort to unify the party, even as candidates like Mike Collins and Buddy Carter vie for the nomination.

With no candidate securing a majority, the GOP faces a potential runoff on June 16. Kemp’s PAC, Hardworking Americans Inc., has invested over a million dollars in Dooley’s campaign, including a televised ad where the governor personally urges voters to support his choice. “Dooley’s fresh energy can help us reconnect with voters,” Kemp emphasized, highlighting his belief in the coach’s ability to appeal to both party loyalists and independents.

The Political Landscape Shifts

Kemp’s political acumen has long been debated. While he supported Trump in 2020, he resisted endorsing the former president’s claims of election fraud in Georgia. This stance, though controversial, earned him a solid base of support. A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll found 85% of likely GOP voters approve of Kemp, reflecting his enduring relevance despite the shift in focus. His tenure as governor, marked by policies that retained his power, has also bolstered his credibility within the party.

Now, Kemp’s endorsement of Dooley signals a pivot from Senate politics to the primary. The governor’s involvement has intensified the race, with Dooley’s campaign gaining momentum through targeted ad spending and grassroots outreach. Yet, Kemp’s choice has sparked internal debate—some Republicans question whether a football coach can translate his appeal into a statewide victory, while others see his outsider image as a strategic advantage.

The Senate race has struggled for visibility compared to the governor’s primary, which dominated media coverage. This lack of attention may benefit Democrats, as Ossoff has already begun general election campaigning. With a larger war chest, the senator is positioning himself as a formidable opponent, especially in a state where his 2021 victory provided a strong foundation. “Ossoff’s preparedness is a key edge for us in November,” noted Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon, emphasizing the Democratic advantage.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Kemp’s strategy to step back from the Senate race and focus on the primary highlights his understanding of Georgia’s political landscape. However, the split between his preferences and the candidates’ own appeal raises questions about the race’s outcome. Recent AJC data shows Collins leading at 22%, while Dooley and Carter trail at 13% and 11%, respectively. Notably, 54% of likely GOP voters remain undecided, suggesting the race is still fluid.

Kemp’s decision to pass on a Georgia Senate run has reshaped the GOP’s trajectory. By endorsing Dooley, he aims to leverage his personal brand and ensure the party fields a candidate capable of uniting its base. While the path to victory remains uncertain, Kemp’s continued involvement underscores his role as a pivotal figure in Georgia politics, even as the primary intensifies.