Brian Kemp not running for Senate, denying GOP vital pro-Israel voice

Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp, a staunch conservative and supporter of Israel, announced today (Monday) that he will not be running for Senate in 2026, denying a needed pro-Israel voice in DC, especially with both Democratic Senators Ossoff and Warnock being far cooler on the Jewish state.

Kemp had this to say on his decision on X:

"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."

Concerns over the lackluster support for Israel from Senators Ossoff and Warnock led a bipartisan group of Jews to write a private letter to Kemp asking him to run instead of the populist firebrands such as Marjorie Taylor-Greene. Ossoff voted at least once to restrict arms sales to Israel, aligning with more anti-Israel voices in the Senate.