Georgia Runoffs: Kemp and Trump Collide Again
Georgia requires a 50% plus one vote majority to avoid a runoff, forcing several major races back to the ballot today.
- Republican Governor Runoff: Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones takes on billionaire businessman Rick Jackson. Jones has held Trump’s endorsement since his campaign began. Governor Brian Kemp recently endorsed Jones as well. Donald Trump Jr. threw a curveball by praising Jackson on X, noting that a win for either is a victory for MAGA. The winner faces Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
- Republican U.S. Senate Runoff: U.S. Rep. Mike Collins faces political newcomer Derek Dooley. Dooley has long been backed by Gov. Kemp. In a last second shakeup, Trump endorsed Rep. Collins over the weekend. The winner will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Oklahoma: Pastors, Pews, and Scandal
Oklahoma is holding its state primary today. The biggest circus in town is the Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District, featuring Trump backed megachurch pastor Jackson Lahmeyer.
- The Texting Scandal: Lahmeyer is mired in a scandal involving former Miss Oklahoma Caitlin Simmons Key. A former campaign staffer revealed the relationship was physical, and Key stated they shared several kisses. Lahmeyer, a married father of five, allegedly texted her saying “I enjoyed those lips”. Lahmeyer admitted to crossing a boundary line through text messaging but claimed a British tabloid distorted the story just days before the election. It seems the America First candidate could not quite put his marriage first.
- The IRS Complaint: If the kissing scandal was not enough, the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed an IRS complaint against Lahmeyer’s Sheridan Church. Lahmeyer publicly stated supporters could pick up campaign yard signs directly from his church, prompting the FFRF to argue the tax exempt church is illegally functioning as a campaign headquarters.
California and Washington, D.C.
Voters in Washington, D.C., are casting ballots for mayor, U.S. Delegate, and other local offices. Out in California, a special primary election is underway in the 14th Congressional District for former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s empty seat.
Strategic Consequences
- For Republicans: Today is a brutal stress test of the Trump endorsement machine. If Barry Moore loses to Jared Hudson in Alabama despite Trump’s backing, it will signal serious vulnerabilities. In Georgia, the proxy wars between the Trump and Kemp camps will define the GOP’s internal power dynamics ahead of the general election.
- For Democrats: The party is largely watching the Republican chaos from the sidelines. With major candidates like Keisha Lance Bottoms and Jon Ossoff already waiting for the general election in Georgia, Democrats are focusing on base consolidation and watching to see which bruised Republican nominees emerge from the runoffs.
References & Citations
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