So, one of my colleagues said that Sen. Jon Ossoff had his best day yesterday. Gov. Brian Kemp announced that he would not be seeking to become a U. S. Senator and run against Ossoff. Every other Republican that has been matched up against Ossoff is at a 5% to 15% deficit. This includes Republicans from MTG to Buddy Carter from South Georgia and Mike Collins from Central Georgia.
So why would Gov. Kemp pass on this one? I think it’s one of two things and might be a combination of both. First, there’s no role for Marty Kemp, the First Lady, in a Senate race or a Senate win. They are a team and it was even rumored they looked at running her for either Governor or Senator. She is a force to be reckoned with.
Second, Kemp is an executive. It’s a known that former Governors don’t like being Senators very much and Kemp likes running things. He didn’t love being in the State Senate. All his biggest successes were at the Secretary of State level and as a Governor of Georgia. So what I see is Brian Kemp finishing his term, then getting back to his businesses. Rumor is, he might ultimately be the President of the University of Georgia or depending on what happens in 2028, something bigger. So all doors are open for him. Brian Kemp has choices. Additionally, he’s going to raise a S*@#ton of money for the 2026 cycle. He’s not going anywhere.
There are a lot of options to run for Senate and Governor in Georgia. AG Chris Carr is in the race for Governor and raising money. Lt. Gov Burt Jones is a self-funder and has not announced yet for anything although it’s understood he is planning to announce for Governor.. Everyone around him says he’s running for Governor but in the last cycle he started out running for Governor and then decided to run for Lt. Governor with the Trump endorsement. Might he do that with the U. S. Senate race this time? We shall see.
There are a few members of Congress who are considering a run for Senate. Rep. Buddy Carter (Ga-01) has been canvassing the state for two years and is in the mix. Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10) is in the mix. The problem they have is there are from heavily Republican districts which may make it more difficult statewide. They all are considering and all trail Ossoff, but it’s early. The most interesting pick is Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-07). He’s had three races. One he lost and two he won in different districts around the outer rings of metro Atlanta. He’s got the ability to carry some of those Atlanta Democrats. He’s a physician, a veteran and attended Morehouse Medical School where he was elected president of his class. Morehouse is a HBC and Morehouse Men stick together. I think he may be a less heard of choice, but he’s the one to watch. Also, Insurance Commissioner John King is in the race and he will be one to watch.
So a lot will happen over the next weeks. I’m thinking this will all be settled by July 4.
In full disclosure, I am consulting for AG Chris Carr’s run for Governor. I think he’s got the best mix of qualifications to lead Georgia beyond the Perdue/Deal/Kemp model and keep things going in the right direction. And primaries are for choices. I’ll make my pick and you will make yours and when it’s all said and done, the GAGOP will get behind the winners. They have to if they are going to maintain theeir dominance in Georgia.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/5/1291150/so-no-senator-kemp-whats-next