Georgia congressmen considering Senate bids if Kemp doesn’t run
Multiple Republicans in Georgia are eyeing a potential Senate run in 2026 to challenge vulnerable Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, but they are making it clear that the nomination belongs to popular GOP Gov. Brian Kemp if he decides to enter the race.
Representative Rich McCormick, a Republican from Georgia, told Fox News Digital that he is considering all options and emphasized the high voter participation in his district, especially in the Atlanta suburbs. He expressed confidence in the potential success of a Republican candidate in the Senate race.
Another Georgia Representative, Mike Collins, also left the door open for a potential Senate bid in 2026, stating that he would carefully consider his chances of winning and making a difference in the race. However, both men emphasized that if Governor Kemp chooses to run, they would fully support him, acknowledging his strong potential to secure the nomination.
Ossoff’s Senate seat is considered a “Toss Up” by the Cook Political Report, and Republicans are gearing up to mount a strong campaign to win back the seat following President Trump’s victory in Georgia in 2024. Kemp, who is seen as the favorite GOP candidate, has yet to announce his decision on running for the Senate.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a senior advisor to Kemp reiterated the governor’s commitment to making a decision about the Senate race in due time. Kemp himself mentioned that he is currently focused on his responsibilities as governor and chair of the Republican Governors Association, but will eventually address the Senate race.
If Kemp opts not to run, both McCormick and Collins indicated that they would consider their own candidacies. Collins suggested that the nominee without Kemp would likely be the one endorsed by former President Trump, who has previously involved himself in Georgia politics.
Looking ahead to the 2026 race, McCormick emphasized the importance of a clear message and appealing to Georgia voters. He predicted a competitive and expensive campaign, with potentially billions of dollars being spent by candidates and outside groups.
Ossoff’s campaign declined to comment for this article, and the potential involvement of President Trump in the Georgia Senate race remains uncertain. With the nomination potentially hinging on Kemp’s decision, the Republican primary in Georgia is expected to be closely watched and hotly contested in the coming years.
