The Republican governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, became persona non grata in the MAGA movement after refuting then-President Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 election and refusing to assist Trump's efforts to overturn then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden's win in the state.
Despite endorsing Kemp for Governor in 2018, Trump has since described him as a "RINO" (Republican in Name Only) who "hurt election integrity in Georgia so badly".The former President was also quick to gloat when Kemp was booed at the Georgia Republican Convention earlier this year.
As a result, Kemp now faces a bitter primary and a pro-Trump base that's hungry for revenge.
On Monday, Trump endorsed Republican former Senator David Perdue, while calling Kemp "weak."
NEW!
President Donald J. Trump announces his endorsement of David Perdue for Governor of Georgia pic.twitter.com/vg1phSKU52
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) December 7, 2021
Trump wrote:
"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 Perdue's reputation among Trump voters in Georgia isn't sterling either.
Just a few months after Georgia voters rejected Trump at the ballot box, Perdue lost one of the crucial Georgia runoff elections that delivered Democrats a razor-thin majority in the Senate.
Georgia Republicans aren't happy at Trump's latest endorsement, wishing he'd endorsed far-right Georgia state representative Vernon Jones.
We’re done with President Trump after his endorsement of RINO Perdue. Perdue lost the state last time and I’ve never been more disappointed that Trump is endorsing him. We’re still rooting for America & Georgia First @RepVernonJones! I thought Trump would be loyal to Jones🙄 https://t.co/WHNeLXmOtT
— Terri Dishion (@tdishion) December 7, 2021
Bad move, still hasn’t learned from his mistakes NOT to endorse RINOs. Y’all in GA, vote @RepVernonJones in the primary next year. He WILL beat Abhrams https://t.co/wadlvQvUK3
— struttin’ Straston 🇺🇸 (@StrastonCalhoun) December 7, 2021
This is so disappointing!! Why not Vernon Jones? I can’t believe this.. Vernon Jones has been so loyal to Trump, even before he switched to Republican… this is a bad, bad decision https://t.co/DRhy3UXL36
— Tammie McDonald..My body, my choice (@TammieMcDonal17) December 7, 2021
Again please Donald Trump endorsing this Rhinos I can promise you next day he got elected he goes after you and by then it’s too late https://t.co/bvZmR6xd1x
— Let’s go Brandon (@ImpeachJBiden) December 7, 2021
HUGE MISTAKE!!! https://t.co/KVkPVAFgyC
— Decker's Runway *NoVaxPassports* (@Flight1917) December 7, 2021
One of the guys that sold him out? An open RINO over Vernon Jones? TF https://t.co/tnTK3vLot0
— Doc Rock(That/Dude)🦅🇺🇸🇮🇪🇨🇿✝️ (@billyr09) December 7, 2021
Trump's critics couldn't help but laugh upon seeing rare dissent against Trump from his supporters.
Trump is doing everything possible to help us flip Georgia. He’ll do the same with his endorsements in Texas. The party is already split. He’s going to play into that split for us, because he’s just that stupid and narcissistic. https://t.co/yIaoZc7iYV
— thomas rayosun long 🛹 (@ACoupleOkooks) December 7, 2021
I like it 👍 https://t.co/qBzd2cRhKn
— Franca Rivera 🎄♥️ (@FrancaRose33) December 7, 2021
LMAO TFG endorsed David Purdue in the GA governor race. This is a gift to Stacey Abrams. https://t.co/bG32laP35w
— Shane 🏴☠️ #FBR 🏳️🌈 (@egheitasean) December 7, 2021
Former gubernatorial candidate and voting rights organizer Stacey Abrams, who played a crucial role in flipping Georgia blue in the 2020 election, is the current favorite to win the Democratic nomination.
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