Just days before voters cast their ballots in the Senate and gubernatorial primary runoffs, things took a surprising turn in Georgia’s Republican primary.
Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who had mostly stayed away from the campaign trail, made an unexpected endorsement on Monday, right before the gubernatorial runoffs. He showed support for Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones, which came one day after President Trump backed Representative Mike Collins in the Senate primary. Collins is running against a candidate who has the governor’s backing.
“Marty, the girls, and I are going to vote tomorrow for Bert Jones to move our state forward,” Governor Brian Kemp said during a visit to Tommy’s Barber Shop in Atlanta.
Kemp expressed his full support for Jones, declaring him a “strong and trusted ally” who had partnered with the administration to return over $9 billion to taxpayers. He mentioned Jones’ efforts in raising pay and retirement benefits for law enforcement, as well as helping to pass a significant tort reform bill in two decades.
Kemp noted that Jones has a proven track record of getting things done during his time in the state Senate and as lieutenant governor. He emphasized his belief that Jones would prioritize the needs of hardworking Georgians as governor.
“Bert Jones will present voters with a strong case for conservative leadership, ensuring that our state continues to thrive, while Democrats distance themselves from Keisha Lance Bottoms’ failures as mayor of Atlanta,” Kemp stated. “Marty, the girls, and I are proud to endorse Bert Jones as the 84th governor of Georgia. We encourage you to support him on Tuesday.”
Jones’ opponent in the runoff, businessman Rick Jackson, countered by positioning himself as an outsider in contrast to the political establishment in Georgia. He claimed to be “beholden to no one” and committed to fighting for Georgians without being influenced by lobbyists or special interests.
Paulding County Republican Party Chair Ricky Hess remarked on the sudden nature of Kemp’s endorsement, likening it to a last-minute stock market announcement. He pointed out how quickly events unfolded as Election Day approached, with early voting already over.
Kemp’s endorsement followed Trump’s recent backing of Collins in another major Republican runoff in Georgia, where he supported Collins over Derek Dooley, who is backed by Kemp.
Dooley remarked at a recent press conference that his support comes primarily from Georgia voters. He pointed out that, throughout this race, he has maintained his position despite Trump’s endorsement of Collins.
On social media, Trump expressed his support for Collins, highlighting him as a respected figure in Congress and calling for Collins to focus on defeating his Republican opponent before aiming for the general election.
Kemp reiterated his support for Dooley with less than a day until the voting began. He engaged with Senate candidates on social media, encouraging Georgia Republicans to “vote for Derek.” He mentioned that he had previously told Trump about Dooley’s potential to take on Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
In closing, Kemp asserted that both he and the president believe an outsider like Dooley is necessary in this race, though it seems they have their differences. Voters’ decisions on this matter will soon unfold.
