A Republican senator has expressed concerns about Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) possibly entering the Senate race next year, suggesting that some of her past remarks—calling them “crazy”—could detrimentally affect her chances against vulnerable Democrat Senator Jon Ossoff (GA).
Greene reportedly is contemplating a run for either governor or Senate in 2026 and believes she has a strong chance to win a significant contest. The GOP senator acknowledged that Greene’s national visibility and support among many Trump voters could give her a solid chance at securing nominations.
This week, speculation arose regarding Governor Brian Kemp as a leading candidate for Senator John Tune (Rs.D.) in the race.
Some Republican senators worry that while Greene has a talent for generating headlines and excitement among MAGA supporters, her controversial statements may jeopardize her chances in the general election.
“We need the best candidates possible, and that sometimes involves making tough choices. It’s challenging to apply a formula in a predominantly conservative and gerrymandered district,” the senator remarked. “Georgia is diverse, and it’s a swing state with a lot of independent thought involved.”
If he viewed her candidacy through a political science lens, he wouldn’t prioritise Greene highly as a recruit.
In a Newsweek essay from 2021, Cramer highlighted Greene’s support for various “crazy” conspiracy theories, such as speculations about events surrounding 9/11 and the Parkland school shooting. He also pointed out her earlier claim that a California wildfire was orchestrated by laser beams from space, which she later retracted from Facebook.
“She has toned down some of her more outrageous statements,” Cramer conceded, but emphasized that “electability is crucial when considering candidates.”
“Sometimes, ideology takes precedence, which can be a mistake,” he added.
Senator Tom Tillis (R), facing a competitive re-election in North Carolina, remarked that while Greene could win the primary, her appeal to suburban independents and moderates in a general election could be problematic.
Greene did win re-election in 2024, garnering 64.4% of the vote in her congressional district, which includes several Republican counties in northwestern Georgia. Some of those counties backed Trump by 70% or 80% in previous elections.
However, to be competitive in a Senate race, she will need strong support in swing counties outside of Atlanta, like Cobb and Gwinnett. Last year, she won a segment of Cobb County with only 51% of the votes.
Speaking to News Nation’s “Hill,” Greene mentioned she’s seriously considering a bid for governor or Senate. “The voting numbers demonstrate that I can win either primary,” she noted.
Despite this, some Senate Republicans remain doubtful about Greene’s candidacy being able to defeat Ossoff.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), a former chair of the National Republican Senate Committee, humorously expressed disappointment about Kemp not running and questioned whether Greene is a viable candidate.
A spokesperson for Greene suggested that Senate Republicans are “worried about her” and raised doubts about whether the senator is genuinely backing Trump’s agenda.
With respect to Martin’s controversial appointment, Tillis indicated he wouldn’t support it, referring to the events of January 6, 2021, while Cornyn also withheld definite support but signaled he might favor the appointment ultimately.
A spokesperson for Greene asserted that she would secure the Senate Republican nomination if she entered the race. “She has significant national support, akin to Trump, and boasts a massive following on social media,” they asserted, emphasizing her potential impact on the race.
Thune, influential among GOP donors, mentioned that he remains neutral for now, indicating there are more discussions to take place, with various candidates, including Georgia Rep. Mike Collins and others, reportedly eyeing a run.
“I don’t want to prematurely assess viability, but it’s clear there are candidates that will stand out in the general election,” Thune concluded.
