What's next for the Georgia Republicans after Kemp declines to run for Senate?

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declined to run for U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff's seat in 2026.

Credit: Official photo

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday he will not run for U.S. Senate in 2026, setting off a chain reaction in the Republican Party as candidates consider a run against incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.  

Kemp’s decision to decline a Senate run is likely to cause a crowded Republican primary in 2026 for Ossoff’s seat.

Georgia Republican Party Chair Josh McKoon said potential candidates have a lot to consider.

“Now you'll have this period of assessment from the potential contenders," he said. "They've got to figure out, you know, statewide organization finances: You know, can they check all those boxes? And then I'm sure we will see many candidates enter the race over the next couple of months."

Then there's the ripple effect to consider as well.

If rumored candidates such as U.S. Reps. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, or Marjorie Taylor Greene run, their congressional seats would be open in 2026. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Insurance Commissioner John King are other sitting officials rumored to be considering a run for the seat as well. 

McKoon remains confident that the party will rally behind whichever candidate wins the primary. 

Kemp said, in a statement posted to the social media website X on Monday, that running for Senate is "not the right decision" for him and his family. 

Kemp also said he spoke with President Donald Trump and U.S. Senate leadership ahead of announcing his decision. 

"I am confident we will be united in that important effort, and 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," he said. 

Georgia’s constitution limits governors to two terms in office, so Kemp is not able to run for reelection again.

After Kemp's announcement, a spokesperson for Ossoff's campaign released a statement on the now-open primary. 

“As we’ve said for the past few months, Sen. Ossoff is well-prepared to defeat any challenger," the statement said. "As Republicans scramble in the aftermath, our campaign will continue to build insurmountable momentum needed to win next November.”

Ossoff won his runoff against former Sen. David Perdue in 2021 with 50.61% of the vote. In 2024, President Donald Trump won 50.73% of the vote in Georgia.