Marco Island, Florida – exclusive – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the new chairman of the Republican Governors Association, said that the biggest mission of any Republican governor going forward will be to support President-elect Trump.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Kemp emphasized that Republican governors have spent the past four years “pushing back” on President Biden's administration.
And speaking to the media for the first time since being elected RGA chair at the group's annual winter meeting held this year at a waterfront resort in southwest Florida, the popular two-term conservative governor said Wednesday, “We are… I am confident that the Trump administration will get off to a strong start.”
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Republican Governor Jeff Landry will be joined (from left to right) by Governor John Landry to speak at the podium. Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, Brian Kemp of Georgia, and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma speak during a press conference criticizing President Biden's energy policy on June 3, 2024. , Glenn Yongin of Virginia, and Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Refinery in Chalmette, Louisiana (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
In the two years since losing the 2020 election to President Biden, Trump has harshly criticized Kemp for refusing to help him overturn his narrow loss in Georgia.
Mr. Trump encouraged and supported former Sen. David Perdue to challenge Mr. Kemp in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary. But after Kemp easily won re-election over Perdue, the former president toned down his criticism of the governor.
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But Trump unexpectedly lashed out at the Georgia governor at a rally in Atlanta in August. Just a few weeks later, the former president publicly praised Kemp, making a complete turnaround. Then, in October, the two politicians teamed up for the first time in four years to survey hurricane damage in Georgia.
Republican presidential candidate Former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp after meeting at a temporary relief shelter during a visit to Hurricane Helen affected areas, Friday, October 4, 2024, in Evans, Georgia. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Kemp said he looks forward to working again with the Republican White House administration, adding, “From a governor's perspective, I'm going to help them be successful, help them succeed, and build on the policies of the Biden-Harris administration.” It will take two years to get things back to normal.” i did it. ”
In this month's election, thanks in part to the efforts of the RGA, Republicans maintained a 27-23 lead in the gubernatorial race.
“As we enter a tough cycle for us in Virginia and New Jersey, we are ready to continue working. [the only two states to hold elections for governor in 2025] In 2026, 36 races will be held.
“My goal is to continue to raise enough money to remain competitive,” Kemp said. “Democrats are holding us back from spending because they have big check issuers, but we We have many truly dedicated donors, and we will continue to work to increase our funding.” In the tent, our policies are better, so be sure to field good candidates and win. ”
Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is interviewed by Fox News Digital on September 27, 2022 in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he is campaigning for re-election. (Fox News)
Kemp said his re-election in 2022 is certain, and that Trump's victory in Georgia's presidential election earlier this month “gives us great confidence and great hope, but the 2026 midterm elections… I know it's going to be tough.”
Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek another term in 2026. The battle over his successor will lead to a top gubernatorial election in two years' time.
“I'm going to work very hard, don't worry, my [successors] I'm a Republican. “I have a strong interest in doing this,” Kemp said, adding, “We are working with the Trump administration and many others to support the state of Georgia, as well as other states and places across the country. But we're going to make sure that happens.” Kansas, for example, currently has a Democratic governor, and places like Arizona have a good chance of winning the governor's race. Therefore, we will continue to attack. ”
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Georgia will also feature a high-profile Senate runoff as Republicans aim to defeat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026.
Asked if he would be encouraged by national Republicans to run against Ossoff, Kemp said, “Well, maybe.”
But he quickly reversed course, saying, “As just elected president of the Republican Governors Association, my focus now is on raising funds to remain competitive in 2025 and 2026.'' has promised to do that, and I am doing so.” I intend to fulfill that promise. As for other things, we'll see what happens.”
Asked if he would rule out a run for the Senate in 2026 or even the White House in 2028, the governor said, “I try to keep all doors open in politics.” replied diplomatically.
