Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, a Republican from Georgia, is causing a stir among top GOP officials in the wake of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to forego a Senate bid. Concerns are mounting within Georgia GOP circles that Greene’s polarizing reputation and rhetoric could harm the party’s chances of flipping the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, according to seven GOP sources familiar with the situation.
With Kemp out of the race, multiple potential candidates are now considering entering the fray, potentially setting the stage for a contentious primary battle. While the prospect of a crowded primary raises concerns for some Georgia Republicans, there is optimism that a unified front could emerge if Kemp and former President Donald Trump align behind a favored candidate.
Despite the challenges of navigating a crowded primary field, Kemp has signaled his intent to remain engaged in the race, pledging support for the eventual nominee. Efforts are underway to foster collaboration between Kemp, Trump, and the Senate GOP’s campaign arm to ensure a strong Republican contender emerges.
At the same time, the possibility of Trump’s unpredictable nature complicates the path to consensus. A diverse field of nearly a dozen Republicans has emerged as potential challengers to Ossoff, the only Democratic senator up for re-election in a state Trump won in the last election. Greene’s potential candidacy, fueled by her national visibility and staunch support for Trump, has stirred unease among some Republicans given her history of promoting conspiracy theories and making controversial statements.
Greene has indicated that she is weighing her options, including a potential run for governor or the Senate. While she boasts considerable support and resources as a Trump ally, concerns persist that her candidacy could polarize voters in Georgia’s closely contested political landscape.
Georgia Republican strategist Brian Robinson expressed skepticism about Representative Greene’s chances in a general election, citing concerns about her polarizing persona. Robinson highlighted Greene’s existing influence in the House and her national profile, suggesting that she may be more powerful within the party structure than as a Senate nominee. Senate Majority Leader John Thune was noncommittal about Greene’s electability in a general election, emphasizing the need for a competitive Republican candidate in Georgia. Concerns were raised by a national political operative and a Georgia Republican about Greene potentially becoming a divisive nominee and the importance of winning over moderates and independents in a closely contested race. Despite the uncertainty, both Greene and incumbent Senator Ossoff seemed prepared for a challenging campaign, with Ossoff already building a substantial campaign war chest. Several Georgia lawmakers, including Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, and Rich McCormick, indicated their interest in running for the Senate seat, with some looking to President Trump for guidance on their decision. The upcoming Republican primary was described as a “massive free-for-all,” with multiple candidates considering their options and seeking party support for their potential campaigns.
Several possible candidates are being considered for the upcoming election in Georgia. Among them are Rep. Brian Jack, who may have his eye on a long career in the House, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, although it is believed he is unlikely to run unless encouraged by Trump. Other potential contenders include statewide officials such as Insurance Commissioner John King, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. There is also speculation that a candidate from the private sector could emerge.
The likelihood of a competitive primary election has some Republicans aiming to narrow down the field. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the primary, it will proceed to a runoff, which some want to avoid after past experiences. GOP leaders have already shown support for certain candidates in key Senate races, but it remains uncertain if they will do the same in Georgia given the number of officials considering running.
Despite the challenges, Republicans are confident in their ability to defeat Ossoff in Georgia, a state that Trump won narrowly in the previous election. Even so-called “tier two” candidates are expected to have ample resources for strong campaigns, with significant funding expected to flow into the battleground state.
