Doug Collins Weighing Primary Challenge Against Vulnerable Incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported yesterday that former GOP Rep. Doug Collins is seriously considering a primary run against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. This is troubling news for Kemp, who was rated the most vulnerable incumbent by Cook Political Report just a few weeks ago.

It’s been rumored that Collins may be running for governor ever since Donald Trump suggested it at a rally in Georgia: “Doug, you want to run for governor in two years? He’d be a good-looking governor.”

Trump blames Kemp for his loss in Georgia and has been going after him with a vengeance, suggesting Kemp should be “jailed,” encouraging Georgians to “vote him out of office” and actively recruiting primary challengers like Collins and football player Herschel Walker.

Kemp has pressure coming from all sides. In addition to the threat from Collins, he’s facing a fractured Republican base, and an increasingly Democratic landscape – meaning a tough primary and an even tougher general election. There’s the strong possibility that a Democratic candidate could replicate the success and expand the work of President Joe Biden and Georgia’s newest Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, in the general.

“Trump’s hand-picked candidate is seriously considering a run against Brian Kemp, ensuring he’ll likely face a long, messy, and expensive primary,” said Communications Director David Turner. “We’ve long looked forward to taking down Brian Kemp in 2022, but it looks like Georgia Republicans might beat us to it. No matter who ends up on the ballot, we’re excited to elect a Democratic governor in Georgia next year.”