Republican Picks New Fight With Donald Trump Days After Making Up

In a dramatic shift of political allegiances, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is exploring the possibility of removing three members of the State Election Board, mere days after receiving a public endorsement from former President Donald Trump. This move underscores the complex and evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, particularly in battleground states like Georgia.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Kemp, a Republican, has requested guidance from Georgia’s Attorney General on whether he has the authority to dismiss members of the State Election Board. This inquiry comes in response to controversial decisions made by the board’s right-wing majority, which have drawn criticism from various quarters, including voting rights groups, Democrats, and even some Republicans.

Newsweek contacted Kemp and Trump’s office via email on Monday for comment.

The three board members in question—Janelle King, Rick Jeffares, and Dr. Janice Johnston—were appointed earlier this year and have quickly become the center of a political storm. Their recent approval of changes requiring election boards to search for voting discrepancies before certifying results has sparked intense debate and led to ethics complaints being filed against them.

This development is particularly noteworthy given the recent reconciliation between Kemp and Trump. The former president, who had previously lambasted Kemp as “disloyal” and referred to him as “little Brian Kemp,” abruptly changed his tone on Thursday. In a Truth Social post, Trump thanked Kemp for his “help and support in Georgia,” emphasizing the importance of winning the state for the Republican Party and the country.

The timing of this reconciliation and Kemp’s subsequent action against the Trump-aligned board members comes as recent polls show a tightening race in Georgia between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21. FiveThirtyEight’s latest average of polls shows Trump leading Harris in Georgia by a mere 0.5 percent, a stark contrast to his previous substantial lead over Biden.

Greg Bluestein, a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, shared on X, formerly Twitter, that Kemp’s office is seeking guidance on the removal of board members, saying, “Voting rights groups, Democrats and even some Republicans have raised alarms about the rightwing majority’s recent votes.”

Adding to the pressure on Kemp is an X post by Max Flugrath, Communications Director for the Georgia election nonprofit Fair Fight. Flugrath highlighted that Georgia law (GA Code § 45-10-4) provides a clear procedure for the removal of board members, questioning the need for Kemp’s inquiry to the Attorney General.

The law states that upon formal charges being filed, the governor must conduct a hearing to receive evidence. If the charges are found to be true, the governor is required to remove the member from office immediately.

This situation places Kemp in a delicate position. On one hand, he faces pressure from within his party and voting rights advocates to take action against the board members. On the other, any move against these Trump-endorsed officials could potentially strain his newly mended relationship with the former president, who maintains significant influence within the Republican base.

The controversy comes at a crucial time for Georgia, a key battleground state in national elections. With the 2024 presidential race on the horizon and polls showing a tight contest, the state’s election procedures are under intense scrutiny. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for how elections are conducted and certified in Georgia, potentially influencing voter confidence and participation.

Kemp’s decision could not only impact Georgia’s electoral process but also shape the ongoing narrative within the Republican Party about election integrity and the balance of power between state-level officials and national party figures.

For now, all eyes are on the Georgia Attorney General’s office as they prepare to respond to Kemp’s inquiry. Their guidance will be crucial in determining the next steps in this unfolding political drama, which has once again thrust Georgia into the national spotlight over election-related controversies.