Georgia GOP Sees Shift Towards Red in Upcoming Elections
Atlanta – The Georgia GOP is feeling optimistic as they aim to solidify their position in the state, having held the governor’s office in 2022 and aspiring to boost Republican chances in the 2024 presidential race. The party believes Georgia could be returning to a more Republican-friendly environment.
Georgia made headlines in the political realm after narrowly supporting Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election and then later backing Democratic challengers against Republican senators. However, Georgia GOP Chairman Josh McConn now expresses confidence that the party can leverage recent successes with Georgia voters.
“In 2018, Gov. Brian Kemp won by just about 40,000 votes, which was tight, but it showed something,” McConn shared during the 2025 Republican National Committee (RNC) summer meeting. “When he ran again in 2022, he secured around 54% of the general election votes against Stacey Abrams, a solid majority.”
“So, yes, after Biden’s narrow win, we’ve seen a 11,000 certified vote margin here, and I think we’re moving in the right direction for 2022 and 2024,” he noted.
A Look Back at Recent Elections
Biden earned 2,473,633 votes in Georgia during the 2020 election, edging out Trump by 11,779 votes. Interestingly, he became the first Democratic candidate to win the state since Bill Clinton in 1992.
Kemp’s 2018 election was marked by a slim margin, with less than 2 percent separating him from Stacey Abrams in an election that drew nearly 4 million votes. But since then, trends suggest a return to Republican leanings among Georgia voters. In their 2022 rematch, Kemp defeated Abrams convincingly by 7.5 points, and last November, Trump carried Georgia, surpassing Vice President Kamala Harris by over 115,000 votes.
With these numbers, the Republican outlook appears bright, but McConn cautions against complacency. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts, particularly as they approach the 2026 elections, where Republicans aim to reclaim the seat currently held by Jon Ossoff.
“We need to stay engaged,” McConn asserted. “While we’re definitely in a competitive state, Georgia remains crucial.” Political analysts categorize the upcoming Georgia Senate race as highly competitive. Following Gov. Kemp’s decision not to run, other Republicans like Rep. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, and former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley have stepped up to seek the nomination.
McConn believes there’s a significant chance to unseat Ossoff next November and replace him with a more conservative candidate. “Anyone we nominate should be able to shed light on his record,” he added.
No comment was received from Ossoff’s campaign regarding the GOP’s hopes for the Senate seat.
Upcoming Senate races will play a critical role in determining the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, which currently has a Republican majority of 53 seats. Republicans are defending 22 of those seats, while Democrats have only 13 up for grabs, leaving little room for errors if Democrats want to reclaim control.
Key Issues Shaping the Political Landscape
In recent years, Georgia has become a political battleground. The tragic murder of a nursing student, Laken Riley, by an illegal immigrant in February 2024 sparked discussions around immigration and crime. This led to stricter laws in the state and the establishment of the Congressional Laiken Riley Act, signed by President Trump.
Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, gained attention after attempting to indict Trump for alleged misconduct during the 2020 election. However, she faced disqualification after the case was reviewed by the Georgia Court of Appeals, complicating the legal landscape.
Looking Ahead
The Georgia GOP’s ongoing engagement reflects an awareness of the competitive nature of the state’s electoral environment. The party’s annual summer meeting was recently held in Atlanta, where it appointed longtime Trump ally Florida Sen. Joe Gluters as the new RNC chairman.
“With the midterms approaching, our focus needs to be on building our House majority as we prepare for presidential elections,” Gluters commented. “The Democrats advocate for weak policies while we aim for strong families and communities.”
The financial state of the RNC has improved significantly under the previous chair, Michael Whatley, who stepped down to run for an open Senate seat in North Carolina. Under his leadership, the party raised over $80 million, a stark contrast to the Democrats.
Gluters aims to build on the successes achieved under Whatley’s tenure, having previously served as RNC treasurer.
In upcoming elections, Republicans in competitive states like North Carolina and Georgia are gearing up for intensified fundraising efforts.
McConn emphasizes the importance of the upcoming November race against Ossoff, suggesting it offers a unique opportunity to highlight his alignment with progressive policies. “He’s positioned himself among the furthest-left members of the Senate, which is a tough sell for Georgia constituents,” he concluded.
