Georgia GOP Runoffs Shake Kemp, Trump and the 2026 Race

Greg Bluestein hosts a special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast with Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy after Georgia’s primary runoff elections delivered two major Republican verdicts. Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the GOP race for governor despite late support from Donald Trump and Brian Kemp, while Mike Collins beat Derek Dooley in the Senate runoff after Trump backed Collins and Kemp helped build Dooley’s campaign. The episode looks at what the results say about Kemp’s political machine, Trump’s uneven influence, Republican unity and the general election fights ahead against Keisha Lance Bottoms and Jon Ossoff. Greg, Tia and Patricia also break down key down-ballot races and the uncertain future of redistricting in a special legislative session. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices