I’m one of those who think it’s way too early to start talking about 2026 and the midterm elections, but I realize that’s a losing proposition. We’re 18 months out, and the outcome of the elections will largely determine whether and to what extent President Donald Trump will be able to carry out his agenda in the last two years of his term. 

Given that, there’s already been a lot of focus on the Senate seats up for grabs in 2026 — particularly those currently held by Democrats…in states that Trump won in 2024. Michigan is one of those; Georgia the other. 

In Michigan, it’s an open seat as Sen. Gary Peters (D) has declared he won’t seek reelection. However, in Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D), first elected in 2021 after narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue in the January runoff election, is aiming to retain his seat. 

So the big question then becomes: Which Republican will take him on? There was ample speculation that current Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who’s term-limited out next year, might throw his hat in the ring. Kemp has maintained a solid approval rating in his second term and, despite a somewhat rocky relationship with Trump, nevertheless endorsed his 2024 presidential bid. And in February, Trump appointed Kemp to the Bipartisan Council of Governors. 

On Monday, however, Kemp put that speculation to rest, announcing that he would not be seeking the Senate gig. 

Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country who encouraged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. I greatly appreciate their support and prayers for our family.

After those discussions, I have decided that being…

— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) May 5, 2025

The full tweet reads: 

Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with friends, supporters, and leaders across the country who encouraged me to run for the US Senate in 2026. I greatly appreciate their support and prayers for our family. 

After those discussions, I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family. 

I spoke with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier today and expressed my commitment to work alongside them to ensure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win next November, and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first.  

I am confident we will be united in that important effort, and I look forward to electing the next generation of leaders up and down the ballot here in the Peach State who will keep our state and nation headed in the right direction in 2026 and beyond.

With Kemp’s announcement, there will undoubtedly be additional speculation as to who might best mount a solid challenge to Ossoff. Potential contenders include Rep. Buddy Carter (1st Congressional District), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (14th Congressional District), Rep. Rich McCormick (6th Congressional District), and Rep. Mike Collins (10th Congressional District). Other possible contenders include Tyler Harper, Georgia’s agriculture commissioner, and John F. King, the state’s insurance commissioner.