In a surprising disclosure ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 presidential debate, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has revealed that he did not cast his ballot for Donald Trump in the state’s recent GOP primary. Speaking exclusively to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Kemp admitted to abstaining from voting, citing his belief that Trump’s nomination was inevitable regardless of the primary outcome.
The revelation comes amid a longstanding rift between Kemp and the former president, stemming from Kemp’s refusal to support Trump’s efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Despite Trump’s landslide victory in the primary with over 84% of the vote, Kemp’s decision not to endorse him underscores their strained relationship.
“I didn’t vote for anybody. I voted, but I didn’t vote for anybody,” Kemp told CNN’s The Source, emphasizing his disillusionment with the primary’s impact given Trump’s dominance in the race.
The animosity between Kemp and Trump escalated when Kemp resisted pressure to convene a special legislative session aimed at overturning Georgia’s election results, which President Joe Biden narrowly won. Trump retaliated by endorsing Kemp’s primary challenger, former Senator David Perdue, in 2022—a move that backfired spectacularly as Kemp secured a decisive victory.
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Legal troubles have also marred their relationship, with Trump and associates facing charges related to attempts to manipulate Georgia’s election outcome. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continues to investigate, underscoring the fallout from Trump’s controversial interactions with Georgia officials.
Despite their contentious history, Kemp expressed willingness to set aside differences for the sake of Republican unity ahead of the general election. “Regardless of our history together, I have a vested interest in Georgia remaining in Republican hands,” Kemp affirmed, highlighting his strategic priorities.
Looking forward to the CNN debate, Kemp advised Trump to focus on future-oriented policies rather than rehashing past grievances. “Trump has a great opportunity to be forward-thinking—not dwelling on the past but contrasting his vision for the future,” Kemp remarked, positioning himself as a voice of strategic guidance within the GOP.
Kemp’s revelation injects fresh uncertainty into the GOP landscape as Trump prepares to face off against President Biden in a critical swing state.
