Politics

Marjorie Taylor Greene Says a Run for Georgia Governor Is ‘Smart for Me to Consider’ Despite Poor Polling

By Jake Beardslee · June 10, 2025

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia speaks during a campaign kickoff event for U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz on Saturday, April 9, 2022. John Blackie/jblackie@pnj.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has left the door open to a potential gubernatorial run in Georgia, even as polling data shows her to be a divisive figure in the state’s evolving political landscape.

In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Greene said, “It’s definitely something that I think is smart for me to consider, but it’s not a decision I take lightly.” She expressed affection for both her current congressional district and her home state, adding, “I absolutely love my district… but I love my state. I really do.”

Georgia has emerged as a swing state in recent elections. President Donald Trump narrowly carried it in 2024, after President Joe Biden won it by less than a point in 2020. With Governor Brian Kemp (R) set to retire in 2026, the gubernatorial race is expected to be fiercely contested.

While Greene remains a favorite among conservative voters, recent polling highlights her polarizing reputation. A Tyson Group survey of 600 likely Georgia voters conducted in January found that 43% view Greene unfavorably, compared to just 27% favorably. By contrast, Attorney General Chris Carr, a GOP primary opponent, was less known but had lower unfavorable ratings.

Political experts say Greene’s statewide prospects may be hindered by her national profile and far-right positioning. “The Republicans will be more competitive with a candidate who demonstrates broad appeal to the statewide electorate,” said William Hatcher, a professor at Augusta University, in an interview with Newsweek. He noted that Georgia’s voters have increasingly leaned toward moderation.

A separate YouGov poll of American voters ranked Greene among the least popular national politicians, with a net favorability rating of -22. Only a handful of controversial figures, including Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi, scored worse.

Greene has maintained strong support in Georgia’s 14th District, winning reelection in 2024 by nearly 30 points. In May, she ruled out a Senate run against Democrat Jon Ossoff, saying the Senate is “where good ideas go to die.”

Looking ahead to a possible gubernatorial bid, Greene told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “I don’t think anybody should run on their relationship with President Trump… I think they should run on their track record, and I think they should run on their own platform.”

Georgia’s gubernatorial race remains rated a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report, and candidates are expected to finalize their decisions in the coming months.