Tensions surrounding the Republican gubernatorial primary in Georgia skyrocketed this week when former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Republican former Senator David Perdue.
The former President endorsed now-incumbent Governor Brian Kemp back in 2018, but the pair's relationship soured late last year after Kemp refuted Trump's delusions about the validity of the 2020 election and refused to assist Trump in overthrowing Biden's victory in the state.
Trump has since described Kemp as "weak" and a "RINO" (Republican in Name Only), saying he was "ashamed" he ever endorsed him.
In his endorsement of Perdue, Trump didn't hesitate to attack Kemp yet again, writing:
Great to see that David Perdue is running for Governor of Georgia. He is a Conservative fighter who isn't afraid of the Radical Left, and is the only candidate in Georgia who can beat Stacey 'The Hoax' Abrams in November. Brian Kemp has failed Georgia."
But many Georgia conservatives responded to Trump's announcement by slamming Perdue as too "RINO," noting his loss in one of two crucial runoffs that delivered the Senate to Democrats in 2021.
Kemp joined in criticizing Perdue, with his team writing in a statement the day before Trump's official endorsement:
"Perdue's only reason for running is to soothe his own bruised ego because his campaign for U.S. Senate failed to inspire voters at the ballot box - twice. Governor Kemp has a proven track record of fighting the radical left to put hardworking Georgians first, while Perdue is best known for ducking debates, padding his stock portfolio during a pandemic, and losing winnable races."
Critics of the Republican Party were gleeful at the discord.
Go at it, boys! This is going to be fun.
"Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp hit back after Trump endorsed his rival, saying David Perdue was running to 'soothe his own bruised ego'"https://t.co/IaDhoIwt1K
— Doug Monroe (@Doug_Monroe27) December 7, 2021
Brian Kemp said your only reason for running is to soothe your bruised ego, because your campaign for U.S Senate failed to inspire voters at the ballot box — twice. Vote #StacyAbrams pic.twitter.com/JJdDYFdR5K
— Rob Trevena (@robtrevena) December 7, 2021
Not him using Democrat attack lines. The girls are fighting lmfaoooo https://t.co/AgoONwr9l1
— ✨ (@danceforyoustan) December 8, 2021
pic.twitter.com/Q5rp8xy4me
— Tom McMahan (@TomMcMahanDade) December 5, 2021
Kemp says “Perdue’s only reason for running is to soothe his own bruised ego, because his campaign for U.S Senate failed to inspire voters at the ballot box — twice.” Kemp is right but he's also afraid to insult the Trumpers. They're all useless to Georgia.
Vote #StacyAbrams
— Rob Trevena (@robtrevena) December 7, 2021
A scorched earth Republican primary can only spell good news for the favorite to win the state's Democratic nomination: former gubernatorial candidate and transformative voting rights organizer Stacey Abrams.
Brian Kemp David Perdue
🤝
Will lose to Stacey Abrams
— Jack Cocchiarella (@JDCocchiarella) December 6, 2021
BREAKING: Trump convinced David Perdue to primary Brian Kemp in Georgia Governor’s race.
Perdue will announce it tomorrow, when Stacey Abrams will still be laughing her ass off.
— TheSadTruth💙 (@ReportsDaNews) December 5, 2021
While David Perdue and Brian Kemp fight each other, Stacey Abrams will be fighting for the people of Georgia. Both Kemp and Perdue would continue to deprive 500,000 Georgians of health coverage that our taxpayers already paid for.
— Lauren Groh-Wargo (@gwlauren) December 5, 2021
With David Perdue now in the GA gov race and he and Kemp already starting to obliterate each other, I shall re-share something I wrote last week. https://t.co/8m4QL9Rwxr
— Jim Newell (@jim_newell) December 6, 2021
David Perdue Entering Georgia Governor Race.
Stacey Abrams watching Perdue and Kemp in the Republican primary. pic.twitter.com/Ccz3FhC0uz
— Jen🛹💙🍷 (@Jennanrun) December 7, 2021
The Georgia gubernatorial race is in November of next year.
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social