With Kemp out, these are the Republicans who could challenge Ossoff
A look at a Kemp-less GOP Senate field in Georgia
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp upended the state’s political landscape Monday when he announced that he would not challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, leaving a wide-open field to challenge the Senate’s most vulnerable incumbent.
The two-term governor’s immense popularity and strong fundraising skills would have made him a prized recruit for Republicans at home and in Washington, who spent months urging him to run for the seat.
But with Kemp’s plans now official, the remaining questions range from the simple — will a messy primary give Ossoff a lift? — to the complex: will Marjorie Taylor Greene run for the seat?
The controversial lawmaker is just one of about a half-dozen Republicans who could run for the seat. Others, such as U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and state insurance commissioner John King, have said that they would only run if Kemp stayed out of the race.
Here’s your not-so-early preview of the likely Republican Senate contenders.
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter
Background: A Savannah-area pharmacist, Carter served in both the state house and the state senate before scoring a congressional promotion in 2014. He made waves earlier in the year when he proposed a bill to rename Greenland “Red, White & Blueland” amid President Donald Trump’s push to annex the vast island nation. Though Carter has made a name for himself in his coastal Georgia district, he has to prove he can raise enough money to saturate the metro Atlanta media market — where most of the votes in the primary will be cast.
What he’s saying:
“Right now, I am focused on serving the First Congressional District of Georgia, and will continue to do so in whatever capacity God and the people of Georgia wish me to serve. […] Georgians voted for Donald Trump overwhelmingly in November and deserve someone who is going to support him, and the will of the people, in the Senate.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins
Background: A trucking company owner and the son of a former congressman, Collins quashed a Trump-backed challenger in 2022 to secure this ruby red north Georgia seat. But Collins wasted no time branding himself as a Trump loyalist, particularly on social media, where his edgy posts and meme-ingful persona have attracted likes, followers, and yes — critics. He was also the lead sponsor of an immigration crackdown bearing the name of slain UGA nursing student Laken Riley, which President Trump signed just a few days into his new administration.
What he’s saying:
“Like many, I spoke with the Governor to urge him to run. Georgia needs leadership that matches the values of our state. I’m disappointed that my efforts to persuade the governor were not successful, and I wish he and his family the best in whatever the Lord has in store for them. […] I will speak to President Trump and his team and do whatever is necessary to ensure he has another vote in the Senate for the America First agenda.”
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
Background: Greene helped run her family’s construction and contracting company before entering politics, where she has gained prominence for her fiery rhetoric and espousal of conspiracy theories. After a quixotic campaign for a suburban Atlanta House seat, she turned to a deeply conservative open seat in Northwest Georgia where very few voters are bothered by her controversial brand. But swing voters and Republican-leaning independents could be turned off by Greene’s rhetoric, which is why Democrats — and Ossoff himself — have all but dared her to take the plunge.
“I’m very grateful for the support that I have in Georgia. The polling shows I can win either the governor’s primary or I can win the Senate primary. Or I can also continue to represent my district.”
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick
Background: A decorated Marine veteran and an emergency room physician, McCormick could have an early advantage in terms of name recognition. He narrowly lost an expensive race for a suburban congressional seat before winning a crowded primary in a redrawn district with a redder hue. But his comments about certain federal programs and the mass layoffs within the civil workforce are sure to be used in Democratic ads. He and several of his colleagues have also come face to face with angry constituents at recent town halls, leading congressional Republicans to advise their members against holding them.
McCormick has not shared an official statement acknowledging Kemp’s decision or hinting at his own plans. His top aide told the AJC in February that the party needs to unite behind a “warrior” to defeat Ossoff if Kemp doesn’t run.
Insurance Commissioner John King
Background: Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide official, King was the police chief in the Atlanta suburb of Doraville before being named Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner in 2019. A native of Mexico and a former major general in the national guard, he is seen as the favorite among many folks in Kemp’s orbit and has traveled across the state vigorously promoting the governor’s Gold Dome agenda. But it remains to be seen if he can make himself known statewide to compete in what will be a nationally watched campaign.
“Governor Kemp is the best governor in America and Georgia is better off because of his service. Personally, I’m proud to call him a close friend and will always be grateful for his leadership.”
“I’m a full supporter of Gov. Brian Kemp. If he chooses to run for the Senate, I think he would be the best candidate available. But if he decides not to, I’m taking a hard look at it.”
-December 2024
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger
Background: Raffensperger became a household name in Georgia and across the country in 2020 for rebuffing President Trump’s demands to overturn Joe Biden’s narrow Georgia victory in that year’s election. Trump then unsuccessfully worked to oust Raffensperger from office. Though the Secretary has tried to steer clear of the President’s wrath, the two have had a rather icy relationship ever since, which could be problematic for Raffensperger in a primary that will be dominated by Trump and his supporters.
“I am proud to stand with Gov. Kemp in his decision and we look forward to see what he does next. Georgia is a better place for families and business because of the work of Gov. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp.”
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper
Background: Harper became Georgia’s farm chief in 2022 after serving in the state senate. Thought to have had lieutenant governor or even the governor’s mansion in his sights, the 39-year-old Ocilla farmer raised eyebrows in February when he posted a picture of himself in Washington meeting with Senate leadership.
What he’s saying:
Harper has shared no statement outlining his plans.
Thanks for the rundown! I am very surprised Kemp isn't running. A messy GOP primary would seem to work to Ossoff's advantage.
I wish we had such a robust state-level Republican party here in the Democratic People's Republic of Massachusetts!