Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday he will not run for a seat in the United States Senate in 2026. The decision ends months of speculation and pressure from Republican leaders who saw him as their strongest candidate to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Kemp told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that being on the ballot next year was "not the right decision for me and my family." His decision ignites a Republican scramble for the nomination in a race that national Republicans view as a prime opportunity to flip a Senate seat.
Many Republicans believed Kemp, a popular incumbent governor, was the most formidable challenger to Sen. Jon Ossoff. Recent polling indicated a hypothetical matchup between Kemp and Ossoff was a toss-up.
Kemp stated he informed former President Donald Trump and senior Senate Republicans of his decision. He committed to helping ensure the party nominates a strong conservative candidate who can win in November 2026.
The governor noted he would use his established political network and fundraising capability to support the eventual Republican nominee.
With Brian Kemp on the sidelines, the path is now open for other potential Republican candidates. The primary field could become crowded and potentially include contenders viewed as less electable in a general election than the governor. The race may also hinge on the influence of Trump's support in Georgia, where recent polls show eroding support for his agenda.
Kemp's decision to pass on the Senate race also leaves open the possibility of a future national bid. As he cannot seek a third term as governor, he maintains his options for future political endeavors by not committing to a 2026 Senate campaign.
Republicans across the state and nation had largely waited for Kemp to make a decision before formally launching their own campaigns. A chain reaction of announcements from potential candidates is now expected in the coming weeks.
"I look forward to electing the next generation of leaders up and down the ballot here in the Peach State who will keep our state and nation headed in the right direction in 2026 and beyond," Kemp said.
