This fall, Kemp will face Democrat Stacey Abrams in one of the most closely-watched governor’s races in America.
Despite the disappointing setback in the night’s top contest, Trump’s preferred Senate candidate, ex-NFL star Herschel, won easily in his primary. A Trump-backed candidate for Georgia’s chief electoral officer was also in the running. After Trump’s lies about 2020 election loss, many conservatives in Arkansas and Alabama were expected to win their primaries.
Trump’s primary focus in this primary season was Georgia’s governor race.
Former president recruited Sen. David Perdue personally to challenge Kemp. Perdue’s only crime was to reject the ex-president’s false claims of widespread voter fraud. Kemp was a strong fundraiser, displaying a number of conservative achievements to counter Trump’s opposition. He revealed plans to build a Hyundai Motor Plant in Savannah, Georgia, worth $5.5 billion and employing 8,100 people.
Perdue’s supporters were expecting a narrow defeat. The only question was whether Kemp would get the 50% majority needed to avoid a runoff next month.
Matha Zoller, a Republican activist and host of a talk show in northeast Georgia with connections to Trump and Perdue, stated that “We’re certainly not going to have another runoff.” It’s going to make you embarrassed.”
These results may raise questions about the GOP’s power structure. Despite Trump’s popularity among party loyal voters, the first stage of the midterm primary campaign has shown that they aren’t always in his favor. Others prominent Republicans are becoming more assertive.
Mike Pence, Trump’s vice president, rallied in Atlanta with Kemp on Monday evening.
He said that elections are about the future and added that “when you vote tomorrow for Brian Kemp, you will affirm a future of Georgia freedom.” You will vote for our most beloved values, which are at the core of everything we cherish.
Trump held a phone rally for Perdue and described him as “100% MAGA.”
Republicans and Democrats across the board were battling with ideologic and strategic divisions that would determine which candidates to nominate, and which issues to prioritize in November’s general election.
Democrats were particularly focused on the runoff election in South Texas where Rep. Henry Cuellar, the long-serving incumbent, was up against a strong challenge from Jessica Cisneros, a progressive candidate in a race in which abortion was a major issue. Cuellar is currently the only anti-abortion Democrat in the House.
Republicans decided a number of less-publicized primaries.
Former Trump aide Sarah Huckabee Sanders was likely to win the Republican nomination for governor in Arkansas. In Alabama, Rep. Mo Brooks, a conservative firebrand, was running to represent Republicans in the race for Sen. Richard Shelby’s replacement. Brooks was a prominent figure at the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally that preceded the Capitol Attack. Trump initially gave Brooks his endorsement. However, Trump later rescinded the endorsement after seeing Brooks struggle in the polls.
Georgia was the state with more important elections this week than any other. This longtime Republican stronghold has been shifted Democratic in recent elections. Biden beat Trump in Georgia by less that 12,000 votes in 2020. Two months later, Democrats narrowly won the Senate seats.
Trump’s 2020 loss obsession has overshadowed Republican primary elections for governor and senator, as well as secretary of state.
Trump backed Walker in the GOP Senate primary to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. He ignored warnings from Walker’s Republican rivals about his history of domestic violence, mental health issues, and he had supported Walker.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump’s leading ally, was expected to win the primary election for the 14th district of the state. This is despite her first term being marked by her conspiracy theories and controversy.
