Republicans Desperately Scramble for Backup Plan as MTG Eyes Georgia Senate: Report

Kemp's Exit Triggers GOP Search for Viable Senate Candidate

With Georgia Governor Brian Kemp officially bowing out of the 2026 U.S. Senate race, top Republican strategists are urgently seeking a candidate who can unify the party and avoid a high-profile, divisive primary. Many are reportedly concerned that if Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wins the nomination, she could cost them the general election. Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK

Georgia Primary Field Widens Without Kemp in the Race

Kemp’s decision has opened the floodgates for potential contenders in what is shaping up to be a crowded and fragmented Republican primary to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Republicans Voice Unease Over Potential Greene Nomination

According to NBC News, seven GOP insiders expressed anxiety over Greene’s potential candidacy, citing her polarizing reputation and history of inflammatory statements. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Strategist Warns Greene Could Win Primary but Lose General

“She can win a primary. She cannot win a general [election] in Georgia,” Republican strategist Brian Robinson said. He noted that Greene’s ability to energize the base comes at the cost of alienating moderates and swing voters. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Greene Says She's Considering Senate, Governor, or Reelection

Greene has said publicly that she is keeping her options open. She told NewsNation, “The polling shows I can win the governor’s primary or I can win the Senate primary or I can also continue to represent my district.” She added that she has not set a timeline for making a decision. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Kemp, Trump Vow to Support Strong GOP Nominee

Kemp has committed to staying involved in the race and said he plans to support the eventual nominee. Despite their previously strained relationship, Kemp and President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Monday. Afterward, Kemp said they shared a “commitment” to finding “a strong Republican nominee who can win next November.” Greg Nash-Pool via Imagn Images

Trump's Unpredictable Endorsements Could Complicate Unity

Still, uniting behind one candidate may prove difficult. Trump has a history of backing loyalists and has often made unpredictable endorsements. The White House / Wikimedia

Multiple Republicans Weigh Senate Bids, Await Trump's Signal

Nearly a dozen Republicans are currently considering or being floated for the race. These include Reps. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, and Rick Allen, many of whom say they will consult Trump before deciding. “If President Trump wants me to run, I’ll run,” Allen said, according to NBC News. US House of Representatives / Wikimedia

Doug Collins, Brian Jack Among Other Potential Contenders

Other names mentioned include Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, a former congressman who previously ran for Senate, and Rep. Brian Jack, Trump’s former director of political affairs. Darren Halstead / Unsplash

Runoff Risk Adds Pressure to Avoid a Fractured Primary

There is also speculation that a candidate from the private sector could enter the race. The GOP faces additional complications from Georgia's runoff system, which requires a second round of voting if no candidate wins more than 50 percent in the primary. “We don’t need to have the situation we had when Saxby retired,” Allen said, referencing the splintered 2014 race that cost the party political capital. Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

GOP Leaders Active in Other states, Georgia Still Unclear

Senate leaders have recently taken more active roles in primary races. Senate Majority Whip John Thune and NRSC Chair Tim Scott quickly endorsed Mike Rogers in Michigan. But it remains unclear if similar coordination will be possible in Georgia, given the volume of interested contenders. United States Congress / Wikimedia

Greene Compared to Kari Lake as Warnings Mount

Some strategists warn that Greene could become a “Kari Lake 2.0,” referencing the Trump-aligned Arizona candidate who failed in her bids for governor and Senate. Greene’s national platform, strong fundraising, and high name recognition make her a formidable force in a primary. Robinson acknowledged this, saying, “The president listens to her; the speaker listens to her. She is uniquely situated as very powerful in the House with a national platform and a national name ID.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Ossoff Prepares Financially for Tough Re-Election Battle

Senator Ossoff, meanwhile, has signaled he is ready for a fight. “As we’ve said for the past few months, Senator Ossoff is well-prepared to defeat any challenger. As Republicans scramble in the aftermath, our campaign will continue to build insurmountable momentum needed to win next November,” Ossoff’s campaign manager Ellen Foster said in a statement obtained by Newsweek. U.S. Senate Photographic Studio / Wikimedia

Ossoff Enters Race with $11.1 Million Cash on Hand

Ossoff already holds $11.1 million in campaign funds as of March 31. Greene, by comparison, ended the first quarter with $728,000 on hand and raised $8.9 million last cycle. John Ramspott / Wikimedia

Party Braces for Chaos as Primary Shapes Into Free-for-All

With such high stakes, party leaders are hoping to avoid another damaging split. A senior GOP aide described the upcoming primary as a “massive free-for-all,” and many are watching closely to see whether Trump and Kemp will ultimately align on a preferred candidate. MIKE STOLL / Unsplash