Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp backs out of U.S. Senate election, widening GOP field

ATLANTA (TNND) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, he announced Monday.

Gov. Kemp was widely seen as the favorite to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., on the Republican ticket, potentially widening GOP control of the Senate. The governor said, however, he decided not to pursue a Senate seat following discussions with friends and loved ones.

“After those discussions, I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family,” he wrote via 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, and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first.”

Reacting to the news was state Sen. RaShaun Kemp, D- District 38.

“This is very good news for 2026!” he cheered via X. “Let’s go Ossoff!”

With Gov. Kemp’s decision, the field is now wide open for a new contender to take the GOP ticket. Potential Senate candidates in the House include Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, and Rich McCormick, though none of which have openly announced a Senate bid.

Gov. Kemp is term limited and can not immediately run for reelection as governor.

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