BKP Politics, episode 276: Georgia GOP Faces Political Shifts After Kemp’s Senate Race Exit

Governor Brian Kemp announced on May 5, 2025, at a Sea Island donor event that he will not run for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026, triggering a scramble among Republicans like Reps. Mike Collins, Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), Buddy Carter, and Insurance Commissioner John King to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff. Collins, a MAGA supporter, is positioned for Trump’s Senate endorsement, while MTG’s potential run raises concerns about her electability in a general election. The GA GOP faces internal turmoil, with calls to withdraw endorsements of Chairman Josh McKoon due to his misuse of party funds. Travis Bowden, McKoon’s senior advisor and former GA GOP Inc. executive director, was replaced by Justin Rice in summer of 2024. Why did Travis Bowden continue to receive payroll payments despite his claim he had not? Critics warn that without grassroots efforts to “drain the swamp,” Republicans risk losing Georgia in 2026. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger eyes higher office, while Attorney General Chris Carr and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones vie for gubernatorial donor support. Kemp, as Republican Governors Association chair, plans to campaign nationally, eyeing a 2028 presidential run, potentially challenging JD Vance. Trump’s policies, including tariffs, gain-of-function research bans, and immigration incentives, stir debate, while global tensions and local GOP primaries add complexity.