ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has been chosen to serve as the chair of the Republican Governors Association RGA for the upcoming year. The announcement comes shortly after Republicans secured victories in eight of 11 state governor races earlier this month.
The RGA is a key player in supporting Republican candidates across the U.S., and Kemp is expected to leverage his leadership to promote his brand of traditional conservatism on a national scale. Kemp previously served as the RGA’s vice chair, succeeding Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in the top role, with Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte stepping into the vice chair position.
Kemp’s relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, once strained over the governor’s refusal to support efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results, appears to have improved. Trump recently shifted from criticizing Kemp to commending his efforts after the governor pledged to help elect Trump and other Republicans.
The voters of our state and nation gave Republicans a mandate to govern just two weeks ago, said Cody Hall, a spokesperson for Kemp’s political organization. Hall added that Kemp is eager to collaborate with Georgia’s General Assembly and lead the RGA to support the incoming Trump administration and GOP majorities in Congress.
As Kemp’s second gubernatorial term nears its conclusion, speculation about his future political ambitions is growing. He could challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026 or potentially launch a presidential campaign. Leading the RGA offers Kemp a platform to expand his national influence and strengthen his political network.
The RGA previously supported Kemp in his gubernatorial campaigns against Stacey Abrams in 2018 and David Perdue, a Trump-endorsed candidate, in the 2022 primary. Kemp’s political machine also played a pivotal role in turning out Republican voters in Georgia during the November elections, benefiting both Trump and other GOP candidates.
Kemp is expected to travel nationwide to support Republican candidates ahead of the 2025 and 2026 elections, further boosting his national profile.