Story perspectives

Trump, Kemp Back Rival Senate Candidates Amid GOP Split

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed opposing Senate candidates, exposing a split in the Republican establishment before the June 16, 2026 runoff.
Gov. Brian Kemp and Sen. Ted Cruz held campaign events—Kemp with Burt Jones on Monday and Cruz with Rick Jackson—underscoring the intra-party rivalry.
Activist Debbie Dooley said leaders split, backing Burt Jones for governor and Derek Dooley for Senate, while founder Jenny Beth Martin supported Mike Collins.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed opposing Senate candidates, exposing a split in the Republican establishment before the June 16, 2026 runoff.
Gov. Brian Kemp and Sen. Ted Cruz held campaign events—Kemp with Burt Jones on Monday and Cruz with Rick Jackson—underscoring the intra-party rivalry.
Activist Debbie Dooley said leaders split, backing Burt Jones for governor and Derek Dooley for Senate, while founder Jenny Beth Martin supported Mike Collins.