'Huge Coup for Dems': GOP dragged as prominent governor bows out of Senate race

News that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) will not run for Senate in 2026 had social media buzzing Monday.

Kemp had been the Republican favorite to take on incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Kemp's departure from the race may be a boon for MAGA Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who has expressed interest in the Senate seat.

Kemp released a statement on his X account that read, in part, "Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country who encouraged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. I greatly appreciate their support and prayers for our family."

Kemp vowed to help "President Trump and Senate leadership" to "ensure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win next November."

Kemp's bowing out led to swift reactions across social media.

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MSNBC analyst Tim Miller posted, "While 98% of GOP pols have shamelessly sacrificed their integrity at the altar of Trump, Brian Kemp hasn't. And he understands that there is no way to run for Senate while Trump's president and maintain your dignity. So hat's off to him for that."

Democratic pollster Matt McDermott wrote, "Between Brian Kemp in Georgia and Chris Sununu in New Hampshire, a remarkably bad recruitment year for Republicans hoping to maintain their Senate majority."

"This is a huge, huge coup for Dems and a massive set back for GOPs going into 2026. Ossoff is a favorite against every other possible opponent and Kemp was the perfect GOP candidate to oppose him," wrote Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo.

Republicans Against Trumpism posted, "Republican Gov. Brian Kemp will NOT run for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026 against incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. It was recently reported that Marjorie Taylor Greene Is expected to run for the seat if Kemp stays out. Very good news for Ossoff."

Podcaster Mueller, She Wrote echoed the sentiment: "Kemp will NOT run for senate, making it easier for Ossoff."