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Buddy Carter Launches Campaign for Georgia Senate, Setting Stage for Contentious GOP Primary

The six-term congressman is the first Republican to challenge Jon Ossoff, as party leaders navigate concerns over divisive candidates like Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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US Congressman Buddy Carter, speaks at the 47th Sgt. William Jasper Memorial Ceremony at Knights of Columbus in downtown Savannah, GA.
FILE - Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., speaks before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives to deliver remarks on the tax code, and manufacturing at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
President Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp prepare to meet with those affected by Hurricane Helene in Evans, Ga., in October 2024. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Overview

  • U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter officially announced his candidacy for Georgia's 2026 U.S. Senate race, campaigning as a 'MAGA warrior' aligned with Donald Trump.
  • Governor Brian Kemp's decision not to run for Senate has opened the field to a crowded Republican primary, with figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Brad Raffensperger considering bids.
  • Republican strategists express concerns over Greene's divisive reputation, fearing she could win the primary but struggle in a statewide general election against incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff.
  • Kemp and Trump are reportedly planning discussions to coalesce around a candidate who is both ideologically aligned and broadly electable in the swing state.
  • Ossoff enters the race with a significant $32 million war chest, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the nation's most competitive and expensive Senate contests.