Republicans scramble to avoid internal chaos in Georgia Senate fight
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Representative of Georgia (Photo: Getty Images)
With Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp stepping aside, Republicans are rushing to prevent a messy primary that could hand Democrats a key Senate seat, NBC News reports.
Georgia Republicans were counting on Gov. Brian Kemp to lead a unified charge against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026, but his decision not to run has triggered a frenzy within the party.
Now, concerns are rising that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — known for her polarizing persona and strong ties to Donald Trump — may enter the race, a move many GOP insiders fear could cost them the general election.
"She can win a primary. She cannot win a general [election] in Georgia," warned Republican strategist Brian Robinson, who described Greene as a figure who "rev[s] up the base" but "alienates the middle."
Kemp has promised to remain involved and is signaling a willingness to work with Trump and Senate GOP leadership to find a strong contender.
Despite past tensions between Kemp and Trump, the governor recently said they had a productive phone call and were committed to backing a winning Republican candidate.
Still, with nearly a dozen names circulating — including sitting congressmen, state officials, and possible outsiders — party unity appears far from guaranteed.
Greene's decision looms over GOP field
Greene, who has yet to announce her plans, has told reporters she is "weighing my options" and cited internal polling showing her viability in both Senate and gubernatorial races.
Her potential candidacy is already fueling Democratic fundraising efforts, with Ossoff amassing over $11 million by the end of March.
Greene herself ended the quarter with over $700,000 in her House account — money she could redirect if she jumps into the Senate race.
Other possible candidates, such as Reps. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, and Rich McCormick, are considering bids and appear to be waiting on Trump's signal.
"We'll see who gets in this thing, who the president gets behind," Collins said.
Meanwhile, fears of a "massive free-for-all" primary and a potential runoff are prompting behind-the-scenes talks about narrowing the field early to avoid repeating past GOP missteps.
Despite the uncertainty, Republicans remain confident they can flip the seat — if they avoid turning the primary into a self-inflicted wound.
