THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Trump once targeted Kemp. Now the Georgia governor is trying to ... - WTVC Now 68° Tue 83° Wed 89° byWTVC ATLANTA —Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his final State of the State address Thursday, but his political future may not be finished. One of the few Republicans who openly defied President Donald Trump and survived, Kemp is still trying to shape politics in the battleground state in ways that could last after he leaves office. He wants to help his friend Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach, defeat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. He is backing legislative and statewide candidates who support his small-government approach. He is also pressing to keep taxes low, arguing that policy has helped fuel Georgia’s economic growth. Working mostly outside the national spotlight, Kemp has become a possible model for Republicans looking toward a post-Trump future, one with less drama and more traditional conservatism. “Brian Kemp has been a force in Georgia politics the likes of which we may not see again for some time,” said Stephen Lawson, a Republican strategist. His influence is not guaranteed. Democrats believe this could be a chance to gain gro…

Rick Jackson, Burt Jones ads features Brian Kemp, despite no ... Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp hasn’t endorsed any of the candidates aiming to become the state’s 83rd chief executive this fall. But casual viewers might not know that should they happen to see new ads from two men hoping to move into West Paces Ferry’s most prestigious address next year. In one ad, entitled “Great Story,” Kemp calls Rick Jackson a “good supporter” of his with a “great story.” Kemp adds that Georgia’s gubernatorial race is “ripe for a political outsider.” Late last month, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones also released an ad that ties him directly to Kemp’s leadership. . @BrianKempGA and I delivered results for Georgia—more jobs, lower taxes, and real relief for families and seniors. With President Trump’s endorsement, I’m ready to keep Georgia winning! Join us at https://t.co/EA9u00sGWQ pic.twitter.com/V1pjNK1qWt — Burt Jones (@burtjonesforga) May 30, 2026 Jackson and Jones are facing each other in a nationally watched June 16, 2026, runoff that already has shattered spending records for a Georgia governor’s primary. Jones an…

Kemp endorses Burt Jones in GOP primary runoff - Rough Draft Atlanta This story comes to Rough Draft through a content partnership with Georgia Recorder Gov. Brian Kemp made a last-minute endorsement of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ bid to replace him in the governor’s mansion ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election in the GOP primary. In a social media post Sunday afternoon, Kemp pointed to their past work over the years, saying that he and Jones “has been a strong, trusted ally in those victories for the people of our state,” pointing to tax cuts and economic growth. He also implied Jones will be a continuation of his leadership, saying that Jones “will make a strong case to the voters for four more years of conservative leadership” this fall. Over the last eight years, we’ve achieved historic wins for hardworking Georgians from all walks of life and made our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We’ve passed the largest tax cut in state history, announced the largest economic development projects… — Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) June 14, 2026 “That’s a conservative record of success that Marty, the girls, and I are proud of — and it’s one that would not have been possible witho…

Rick Jackson Heads To a Runoff as GA Governor's Race Tightens Campaigning on Foster Youth Backstory, Rick Jackson Heads To a Runoff as Georgia Governor’s Race Tightens By Jordan Anderson Georgia Republican candidate for governor Rick Jackson during a campaign stop at Augusta’s Daniel Field. Photo by Joe Hotchkiss/The Augusta Chronicle. Rick Jackson, the Georgia billionaire who has trumpeted his childhood in foster care as part of his campaign to become the state’s next governor, fell short of claiming the Republican nomination Tuesday. Neither Jackson nor his main rival, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, secured more than 50% of the vote in the Republican primary for the governor’s race on Tuesday. But the fight between the two isn’t over — they will face each other again in a June 16 runoff. Georgia’s general election is set for Nov. 3. Jackson and Jones were considered the top Republican contenders in a crowded race that has been marked by court disputes, theatrical ploys and attack ads. Along with Jones, other government incumbents included state Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. On Wednesday, the lieutenant governor challenged Jackson to a second debate…

Brian Kemp endorses Burt Jones in Georgia’s gubernatorial runoff Kemp’s last-minute public blessing is a boon for the lieutenant governor ahead of Tuesday’s runoff against billionaire Rick Jackson.

In a surprise twist, Brian Kemp endorses Burt Jones for governor Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones late Sunday, ending months of public neutrality in the most expensive GOP race for governor in Georgia history. Kemp’s backing gives Jones a significant boost in the closing days of his bitter runoff against billionaire Rick Jackson. The term-limited governor had stayed on the sidelines, saying he was focused on helping former football coach Derek Dooley win the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. But both Jones and Jackson spent months courting his supporters and airing ads tying themselves to the governor’s political brand. Paired with a coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump last summer, Kemp’s backing gives Jones support from the two most powerful Republicans in Georgia politics from different wings of the party. “The hardest part about being governor is making decisions that aren’t always popular or easy,” Kemp said on social media. “I’ve worked alongside Burt for nearly 15 years and I’m confident that he will always put hardworking Georgians first.” It was the second major endorsement on the Sunday ahead of the runoff. Trump backed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins over…

Gov. Kemp endorses Burt Jones ahead of GOP gubernatorial runoff v. Rick ... Now 71° Wed 85° Thu 84° byLeah Kincaid ATLANTA. Ga. (WGXA) —Governor Brian Kemp announced his full endorsement of his Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones ahead of Tuesday's GOP gubernatorial runoff. "Marty, the girls, and I are proud to endorse Burt Jones to be the 84th Governor of the great state of Georgia and ask you to join us in supporting him on Tuesday," Kemp wrote onXSunday evening. Kemp cited his nearly 15 years of work alongside Burt Jones, stating he is "confident" Jones will put "hardworking Georgians" first. The Governor added that Jones is a strong candidate to face off with Democratic frontrunner Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. In a statement, Jones, who is also endorsed by President Donald Trump, thanked Kemp for his full support and encouraged voters to go to the polls on Tuesday. "When I receive an endorsement, it's because the person knows me, they know my proven conservative record, they know my work ethic, and they know when I say I'm going to do something, I do it," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "Which is why I am honored to have the endorsement of Governor Brian Kemp. I've…

Billionaire Rick Jackson defeats Trump-backed Burt Jones for the GOP ... Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson has advanced to the general election in Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images file Share Add NBC News to Google By Adam Edelman Billionaire businessman Rick Jackson won the Republican primary runoff in Georgia’s race for governor, NBC News projects, defeating President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. Jackson, a healthcare executive and first-time candidate who poured more than $100 million of his own money into his campaign, will face Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election in the battleground state. With more than 80% of the expected vote tallied, Jackson led Jones 53% to 47%. Follow live results The contest, which went to a runoff after neither Jackson nor Jones won 50% of the vote in the May 19 primary, boiled down to a fierce battle for the MAGA base . For Jackson, that took on the form of comparing himself in ads and on the stump to Trump, painting himself as a political outsider — even though he di…

Kemp backs Burt Jones for Georgia Governor - WSB-TV Channel 2 ATLANTA — After sitting on the sidelines for months, Gov. Brian Kemp has endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to replace him. Kemp’s endorsement stunned the political world because it seemed he would wait until after the primary and back the nominee. Jones now has the endorsement of Kemp and President Donald Trump. But Jones’ opponent, Rick Jackson, got his own endorsement on Monday and showed no signs of slowing down. Jones was all smiles on Monday after an early morning rally where Kemp made his endorsement of Jones for governor official. This, despite saying for months he wouldn’t endorse anyone. “I love having the endorsement,” Jones told Channel 2’s Richard Elliot. At a rally for the Republican candidate for Senate, Derek Dooley, Kemp sidestepped questions about it. TRENDING STORIES: This is the best BBQ joint in Georgia Georgia Sheriff facing DUI charges to return to duty Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera to leave institution in November “At least people know where I am. I mean, they got to decide who they’re going to vote for. But the real endorsement is tomorrow. It’s with the people of this state, and they’re going …