Republican Governor Brian Kemp announced he will not run for the Senate in 2026, which dims GOP hopes against incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff. Although Kemp was viewed as a strong candidate, he chose to prioritize his family and political strategy. Following his discussions with President Trump, he emphasized support for a viable Republican nominee. With Kemp out of the race, the Republican primary could feature several current Congress members, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the party as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
"I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family," Kemp said in a statement on X.
"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," Kemp added.
Ossoff, 38, is widely regarded as the most vulnerable Democrat defending their Senate seat in 2026 - with several Senators retiring rather than face potentially tough re-election battles.
With Kemp opting not to run, the likely GOP primary field could consist of no fewer than four current members of Congress.
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