Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Tuesday announced that she would not run for Georgia governor in 2026, throwing cold water on speculation that had been swirling for months.
In a lengthy post on the social media platform X, Greene decried “constant rumors” about her political ambitions, including chatter that she might launch a campaign to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp (R).
“If I were running for Governor, I would have a platform and a detailed plan, much different than the others, that would save our sweet home state of Georgia, our precious hardworking businesses, and give our much loved children a bright future,” Greene wrote. “That would be for every Georgian, not just Republicans.”
At the same time, Greene, a close ally of President Trump, left the door open to a potential run in the future.
“And one day, I might just run without the blessing from the good ‘ole boys club or the out of state consulting leaches or even without the blessing of my favorite President,” she added.
“One day, I might just run purely out of the blessing of the wonderful people of Georgia, my family and friends, but it won’t be in 2026.”
Greene’s decision to forgo a run next year will likely comes as a relief for Republicans given that she could have fared well in a GOP primary but her controversial rhetoric might have cost her in a general election.
Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) is arguably the biggest beneficiary of Greene’s decision given that both him and Greene would have been angling for an endorsement from Trump.
Jones is currently running against Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (R) for the GOP nod.
The contours of the GOP gubernatorial primary may still be forming. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger could also make a run for Kemp’s perch.
Despite Greene’s exit from the race, Democratic Governors Association spokesman Kevin Donohoe projected confidence over the state of the Republican primary, saying in a statement that “[whoever] ends up as the Republican gubernatorial nominee in Georgia will be too extreme and out of touch for the people of Georgia.”
The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Kemp’s seat as a toss up.
Updated: 4:59 p.m. ET