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From NBC News: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has decided not to run for Senate next year, dealing a blow to Republicans who viewed the two-term governor as a top recruit.
The state is a major target for Republicans as they look to expand their three-seat Senate majority. Georgia is one of two states, along with Michigan, where Democrats are defending a seat in a state that President Donald Trump won last November. Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is running for re-election in Georgia, while Sen. Gary Peters is retiring in Michigan.
Kemp, who cannot run for re-election as governor due to term limits, said in a statement posted on X that a Senate run is “not the right decision for me and my family.
Kemp’s statement reads:
Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country who encouraged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. I greatly appreciate their support and prayers for our family.
After those discussions, I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family.
I spoke with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier today and expressed my commitment to work alongside them to ensure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win next November, and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first.
I am confident we will be united in that important effort, and I look forward to electing the next generation of leaders up and down the ballot here in the Peach State who will keep our state and nation headed in the right direction in 2026 and beyond.
Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country who encouraged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. I greatly appreciate their support and prayers for our family.
After those discussions, I have decided that being…
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) May 5, 2025
Democrats are cheering Kemp’s announcement, saying he just delivered a huge win to Ossoff.
Thanks for the gift to Ossoff and Democrats!
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) May 5, 2025
Conservatives are furious with Kemp, as many felt he was the best chance to defeat Ossoff, and several people on social media are speculating Kemp is planning to run in the 2028 presidential election instead.
You seem to think that people will take you seriously as a Republican nominee in ’28.
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
— Jay Spiegel (@VujaySpiegel) May 5, 2025
Angling for a 2028 presidential run. It’s your right. But it’s foolish and selfish.
— TheUnusualSuspect (@beerandtokens) May 5, 2025
READ MORE from NBC News.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is passing on a Senate run, meaning Republicans could have a crowded primary to take on Ossoff: https://t.co/omXb1Gk7yN #GASEN
— Bridget Bowman (@bridgetbhc) May 5, 2025
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