ATLANTA (AP) – We feel that the fallout from the 2020 presidential election may never end in Georgia.
Perhaps in any other state, the decision was made after the narrow victory of Democrat Joe Biden – and Donald Trump’s false claims Victory – still defines the politics of the Peach nation.
In Georgia, it will guide the governor’s Republican choice in 2026, influencing the governor’s Democratic primary, and resonate with the race of the U.S. Senate.
Brad Raffenspurgerthe Republican secretary, who refused Trump’s efforts to overturn Biden’s Georgia victory, is running for governor in 2026. Jeff Duncanand those who are also opposed to Trump’s promotion are hoping for the governor as a “prideful Democrat.” Current lieutenant governor, Republican Burt Joneswearing his support for Trump’s 2020 cause as a badge of honor.
A working democratic US senator in Georgia John OssoffThose seeking re-election may not have won in January 2021, but it is a chaotic radioactive fallout from the 2020s.
“It’s all tied to one lasting force Donald TrumpJay Morgan, former executive director of the Georgia Republican Party, explains why the ripples of 2020 are still important.
Some Republicans are afraid to show these differences. Former Republican state legislator Buzz Brockaway said it could dominate the Georgia race “connecting the 2020 election.” “If you’re a Republican, that’s bad news because no one cares beyond the few activists,” he said.
in Gallup votes for Septemberabout a quarter of US adults named economic issues the most important issues facing the nation, while about 4% pointed to issues related to elections and democracy.
A conflict that never dies
The conflicts of over 2020 will animate far beyond Georgia. In Michigan, Republicans from the Capitol proposed Democrat Secretary on the Wreck and Breck in June Jocelyn Bensonthe governor’s 2026 candidate claims she inappropriately supported Biden’s 2020 victory. Arizona’s Republican lawmakers questioned election management in the state’s most populous county He was selected in 2024 There they oversee the vote. In Pennsylvania, the lawsuit continues beyond the 2020 voting law, and could be a 2026 campaign theme as GOP-approved challengers challenged the Democratic government. Josh Shapiro – State Accounting Stacey Garity – Support Trump’s call to eliminate mail-in voting.
Supporting Trump’s false claims about his 2020 victory remains a Republican purity test. The primary enemy of the GOP is attacking both senators in Louisiana. Bill Cassidy’s re-selection bid and Tennessee US Senator Marsha Blackburn After the president’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, they ran for governor, claiming they didn’t put Trump back on the mark.
But in Georgia, 2020 is a factor in all marquee races.
Jones was already there Approved for the Governor By Trump before the August kickoff rally. So the allies declared Jones a true GOP choice as he supported Trump’s efforts to overturn Biden’s victory in Georgia. Jones was one of 16 Republicans. declared himself as an elector Even if Biden wins, Jones Special session Declare Trump as the winner. Raffensperger and the Attorney General Chris KerrJones’ top rival for Republican nomination, spurred Trump’s efforts.
“The reality is that these politicians are Magazines today because it benefits them, but when they might cost them, they were willing to become Magazines,” Sen. Greg Dorezal told the Pro Jones crowd. ” In 2020, when President Trump needed allies, these politicians remained silent.
Last week, Jones’ campaign released an ad called “Georgia Team Never Trump,” with Jones saying that only Jones “always supporter” Trump.
Some Republicans try to avoid it
Other Republicans are defending the gap along with Trump on current issues, avoiding past differences. Raffensperger never mentioned Trump in a two-minute announcement video for the governor, so he focuses on his defense against Georgia Biden and two Georgia Democratic governor candidates Stacey Abrams. Raffensperger indirectly hinted at the 2020 fire, saying, “I am ready to make tough decisions. I will follow the law and the constitution. And I will always do the right thing for Georgia.”
Like Raffensperger, Carr has expressed an agreement with Trump’s policies, highlighting his own record-breaking crime and recruiting jobs.
Meanwhile, Duncan is leaving the Republican Party after years of criticism of Trump and is trying to build a new identity as a Democrat. At a black-owned Atlanta coffee shop this month, he campaigned under a mural of prominent Democrats, including Ossov and former Atlanta mayor, Duncan’s Democratic opponent for the governor. Caishalans Bottoms. Duncan tried to remodel some of his old themes for his new party, including the importance of small businesses and technology, but his record was trumpeted as a proven Trump opponent.
“When it comes to Donald Trump, anyone who wins the Republican primary will have to pull the key out of his pocket for the state and hand it over to Donald Trump,” Duncan told the Associated Press.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemp came under the Trump fire in 2020 after rejecting election-related requests. but Kemp is trying To make a former soccer coach Derek Dooley Republican Senate candidates challenge Ossoff with variations of the strategies used by Raffensperger and Carr. Dooley has insisted on an agreement with Trump, but has promised to “put a hardworking Georgian first.” His top opponent of the Republican nomination, the US official. Mike Collins and Buddy Carterdo not leave an inch of sunlight between them and the playing cards.
Democrats hope that the GOP sector will drive independents to them in 2026. Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Bailey Voters on the swing said they were turned off by a kaot toe to Trump.
“I have toes on the line and bends in my knees,” Bailey said. “Whether something is true or correct depends on who said it, or whether Trump said it.”
But Morgan said Trump is still enthusiastic about pushing conservative voters.
“2020 has messed up the base that allowed Donald Trump to become a Republican candidate again,” Morgan said. “And that foundation is absolutely essential for anyone seeking a Republican nomination, and beyond that, that foundation must come out for that candidate to win.”
