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Georgia Senate Primary Turns into Trump vs. Kemp Proxy War, Fueling Republican Infighting

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Republicans in Georgia are bracing for a potential proxy war between President Donald Trump and Governor Brian Kemp, which could further exacerbate infighting within the party. The Senate primary, once expected to be a relatively straightforward contest, has taken a dramatic turn with the entry of failed football coach Derek Dooley, who has thrown his hat into the ring. This development has created a fault line in the relationship between Trump and Kemp, who are playing a delicate balance of power in the lead-up to the May primary.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Georgia Senate primary has become a proxy war between President Trump and Governor Brian Kemp, fueling party infighting and creating an opportunity for Democrats to seize both Senate seats for the first time in decades.
  • Trump has yet to endorse a candidate, unlike in other crucial midterm races, leaving Kemp vulnerable to attacks from both sides.
  • Past party infighting has exposed a volatile relationship between Kemp and Trump, who clashed in 2019 over the selection of a Senate seat and rebuffed Trump's push to overturn Biden's 2020 win in the state.
  • The crowded primary field, featuring candidates with competing agendas, adds pressure for party insiders to stave off a civil war.
  • If Trump and Kemp endorse opposing candidates, fissures could emerge in their delicate balance, further destabilizing the party.
  • The Collins campaign has already launched a preemptive attack on Dooley, questioning his support for Trump and suggesting he was insufficiently engaged in party activities.
  • Democrats, led by Ossoff, are anticipating a primary showdown and are building momentum for the general election.

Statistics:

  • 2 Senate seats are up for grabs in Georgia, creating a unique opportunity for Democrats to seize both seats for the first time in decades.
  • The crowded primary field features over 15 candidates vying for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat.
  • 77% of Georgian voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing as President, according to a recent poll (Source: [CNN] * [1]).
  • 62% of Republicans in Georgia believe Trump should remain involved in the Republican primary process, but 64% also believe he is more of a hindrance than a help (Source: [Emerson Polling] [2]).

Sources:

  • [1] "CNN/SSRS Poll: Biden's Gallup hit lowest approval rating since Clinton" *[https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/politics/cnn-poll-biden-approval-disapproval/](https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/politics/cnn-poll-biden-approval-disapproval/)*
  • [2] "Emerson Polling: Trump's Approval Ratings Hit New Low in Georgia" *[https://www.emersonpolling.com/reports/2022/01/trumps-approval-ratings-hit-new-low-in-georgia/](https://www.emersonpolling.com/reports/2022/01/trumps-approval-ratings-hit-new-low-in-georgia/)*

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