Trump, Kemp Split in Georgia Senate Runoff as GOP Tests Unity Before 2 Key Races
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 15
Trump, Kemp Split in Georgia Senate Runoff as GOP Tests Unity Before 2 Key Races
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 15
Summary
Georgia Republicans entered Tuesday’s runoff with Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp backing opposite Senate candidates, exposing fresh party fractures in one of 2 marquee statewide contests.
Kemp has long backed Derek Dooley against Rep. Mike Collins, while Trump waited until the final weekend to endorse Collins; both men support Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for governor.
The split has widened beyond the two leaders: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz campaigned for gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson, and prominent grassroots activists have broken between Collins and Dooley.
Tuesday’s results will gauge Trump’s and Kemp’s sway inside a party that must quickly unite for November against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms.