Fox's first appearance — Gov. Brian Kemp, the new head of the Republican Governors Association, is aiming to build on the Republican momentum gained in the 2024 election heading into the next gubernatorial showdown.
Georgia's popular Republican governor told Fox News Digital, pointing to President-elect Trump's victory in 2024 and the Republican gubernatorial, legislative and dissenting victories this month.
Thanks in part to RGA's efforts, Republicans maintained a 27-23 advantage in the gubernatorial race in the 2024 election.
Helping President Trump get off to a fast start is an important mission for Republican governors
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, shakes hands with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp after visiting Hurricane Helen-affected areas and speaking at a temporary relief shelter in Evans, Georgia on October 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Looking ahead, New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states that will hold gubernatorial elections next year, attracting significant national attention and providing an important gauge of Americans' mood as the start of a new presidential term. It has become a barometer.
The Republican primary election is being contested in the blue state of New Jersey, where Republicans are aiming to win the gubernatorial race for the first time in more than a decade.
Republican governors say “I've made a friend in the White House'' after Trump's election
And in Virginia, Republicans are rallying around Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, who is seeking to replace term-limited Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. [Virginia governors can only serve one consecutive four-year term] She will go down in history as the state's first female governor and the nation's first black female governor.
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Winsome Earl Sears (Kristen Zeiss/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“We're ready to keep working as we enter a tough cycle for Virginia, New Jersey and 36 races in 2026,” Kemp said last week in his first interview after being elected RGA president. Ta. The group's annual winter meeting was held this year at a waterfront resort in Marco Island, Florida.
“My goal is to continue to raise enough money to remain competitive, even though Democrats outspend us because they have big check writers,” Kemp said. , we have a lot of really dedicated donors. We will continue to work to build our finances.” In the tent, our policies are better, so be sure to nominate a good candidate and win. ”
What will happen after this popular Republican governor leaves office?
Kemp is certain that he will be re-elected in 2022, and that Trump's victory in Georgia, a presidential election battleground state this month, “gives us great confidence and great hope, but the 2026 midterm elections will be tough.” I know it's going to be a big deal,” he said. ”
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.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (Fox News)
“I'm going to work very hard, rest assured, 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 not only Georgia but other states across the country, such as Kansas. We have a Democratic governor right now in the state, and we have a good chance of winning the governor's race in places like Arizona, so we're going to keep attacking.”
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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.” We 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.” said.
