The political landscape in Georgia has shifted dramatically with Governor Brian Kemp’s decision not to pursue a Senate bid in 2026. Kemp, a two-term governor who has consistently polled as one of the state’s most popular Republicans, was widely seen as the GOP’s best chance to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. His absence from the race opens the field to a volatile mix of far-right agitators, backbench representatives, and establishment conservatives, none of whom currently possess Kemp’s statewide appeal or political discipline. As the vacuum forms, attention turns toward several names, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Collins, Rich McCormick, and Buddy Carter. But none of these potential candidates, save perhaps one still uncommitted public servant, inspire much confidence in a party at risk of handing the race to Democrats through self-inflicted wounds.
Marjorie Taylor Greene is the most infamous name under consideration. She has built a national profile less through legislative achievement and more through controversy, outrage, and attention-seeking behavior. Greene has promoted conspiracy theories ranging from QAnon to 9/11 trutherism and has used her office not to build coalitions or pass meaningful policy but to troll her colleagues, raise money off manufactured outrage, and peddle culture war grievances. Her behavior has earned her censures, committee removals, and bipartisan scorn. She thrives on division and spectacle, not governance. If Greene were to secure the nomination, she would instantly become a fundraising magnet for Democrats, galvanizing their base and turning what could be a competitive race into a referendum on extremism. Her presence on the ballot would be a gift to Senator Ossoff and a liability for Republicans hoping to win back a crucial Senate seat. Her brand of politics may excite the fringes of the GOP, but it would repel the suburban moderates and independents who now decide statewide elections in Georgia.
Mike Collins presents a different profile. A freshman representative from Georgia’s 10th district and the son of a former congressman, Collins is a business owner turned politician. While less incendiary than Greene, Collins lacks a substantive legislative record or meaningful leadership credentials. His political persona leans heavily on standard conservative talking points and an alignment with Trump-era rhetoric. But being loud and loyal is not the same as being electable. In a high-stakes Senate race, voters typically look for depth, policy fluency, and the capacity to appeal to more than just the base. Collins has yet to demonstrate those qualities in his short tenure, and whether he could withstand the intense scrutiny of a statewide campaign is unclear.
Rich McCormick, a physician, and Marine Corps veteran is another potential contender. He brings a compelling personal story and an impressive résumé outside of politics. Yet McCormick’s inexperience in elected office is glaring. Having only recently arrived in Congress, he has been unable to distinguish himself on significant policy issues or show leadership in national debates. Like Collins, his relative anonymity beyond his district poses a significant hurdle. Moreover, McCormick has yet to indicate whether he has the political instincts or durability needed for the rigors of a statewide campaign in a battleground state.
Then there is Buddy Carter, a more seasoned figure in the Republican delegation. Carter has served in Congress since 2015 and sits on several committees. But despite his years in office, he has never emerged as a particularly influential or dynamic figure. His record in Washington is largely unremarkable. He is neither a firebrand nor a visionary, and his statewide name recognition remains low. Carter’s politics are reliably conservative, but he risks being overshadowed in a primary where louder, more aggressive voices could dominate. And in a general election, he may struggle to excite the base or swing voters.
Amid this underwhelming field, one name stands out for entirely different reasons: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. While he has not signaled an interest in running for Senate, Raffensperger is the only potential candidate with a record of integrity that transcends party lines. He earned national respect for resisting pressure to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, defending Georgia’s democratic process in the face of intense political and personal threats. His willingness to uphold the rule of law, even under fire from within his party, showed rare courage and principle. In an era of hyper-partisanship and performative politics, Raffensperger represents something increasingly uncommon: a Republican who believes in institutions, accountability, and truth.
Should Raffensperger decide to enter the race, he could reset the conversation entirely. His candidacy would offer Republicans a credible, stable alternative to the chaos and controversy personified by figures like Greene. He has already won statewide before, even after being vilified by Trump and his allies, demonstrating his appeal beyond the GOP base. His challenge would be surviving a primary that rewards spectacle more than substance. He also will be challanged in how to present his relationship with Trump to a broad GOP audience. Hypothetical polling by the Republican Trafalgar Group has him in second behind Marjorie Taylor Greene so he's not in the worse position out of everyone running. But if he managed to emerge from that gauntlet, he could offer a genuine challenge to Senator Ossoff and a path back to responsible conservatism.
The road to 2026 is still long, but the early signs suggest the Republican primary could devolve into a battle of personalities rather than a contest of ideas. If the party wants to reclaim its footing in Georgia, it must resist the temptation to elevate provocateurs like Greene, who bring media attention but no governing credibility. The Senate is no stage for cable news theatrics or social media spats. It is a place for serious leadership. And right now, only one name in the conversation seems to understand that.
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