Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is preparing to visit the White House for a private meeting with President Trump in an effort to align on supporting the most viable Republican candidate in the state’s 2026 Senate race. The contest, which involves Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, is expected to be one of the most competitive and expensive in the country, especially given that Georgia is a Trump-won swing state and a top GOP pickup target. With Republicans currently holding only a narrow three-seat edge in the Senate, the stakes are high.
Kemp and Trump had a major falling out following the 2020 election, which ultimately led to Republican losses in both Senate seats. However, the two reconciled last year, and neither wants to see a repeat of the past. In light of that, Kemp plans to travel to Washington in the coming weeks to coordinate with the president on strategy.
Both the White House and the governor’s office are closely watching early polling that suggests Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene could win a Republican primary but would likely lose to Ossoff in a general election. Trump reportedly admires Greene personally but is skeptical about her electability statewide. Greene has not ruled out a run, though those close to her say she’s aware of the concerns about her general election chances and is more politically strategic than some assume.
Representative Buddy Carter formally launched his Senate bid, but sources close to both Trump and Kemp indicate he is not the preferred candidate. Other names being seriously considered include Representative Brian Jack, a former Trump adviser who is currently a freshman congressman; former Senator and current Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler; and Representative Mike Collins, who has built credibility with Trump’s base by sponsoring the Laken Riley Act, which the president signed into law this year.
Jack is seen as someone who could climb the congressional leadership ranks but may be persuaded to run if Trump pushes for it. Loeffler, who previously lost a Senate race, is liked by Trump but is reportedly more interested in a future gubernatorial run. Collins, meanwhile, has been actively courting support across the state and is emerging as an early frontrunner, with strategists praising his blue-collar background and strong alignment with Trump’s agenda.
Other potential contenders include Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Insurance Commissioner John King, and Representative Rich McCormick. Kemp is also reportedly open to backing a member of the state legislature if they can demonstrate the ability to win statewide.
Kemp, who ruled out a Senate run himself, is particularly focused on fielding a candidate who can perform well enough to avoid dragging down the rest of the Republican ticket. With only a ten-seat GOP majority in the Georgia House and several of those seats in districts Trump narrowly lost a poor performance at the top of the ticket could jeopardize legislative control.
There is growing recognition among Republicans in the state that winning in Georgia now requires more than party affiliation. The ideal candidate must appeal to a broad coalition, including swing voters who supported both Kemp and Warnock in 2022, as well as suburban moderates. Success in 2026, they believe, will require not just alignment with national conservatism but also a candidate who resonates specifically with Georgia’s political culture and values.
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