Georgia’s political landscape just got a seismic jolt. Insurance Commissioner John King abruptly halted his Senate campaign, caving to pressure as Gov. Brian Kemp throws his weight behind former football coach Derek Dooley for the 2026 GOP nomination, as the Washington Examiner reports. It’s a move that’s raising eyebrows and tempers among conservatives.

King, who kicked off his bid in May, found himself outmaneuvered in a crowded GOP primary field. Gov. Kemp, once eyed as a top contender to take on Sen. Jon Ossoff, pulled out early and now backs Dooley, a political newcomer. The race is shaping up as a bare-knuckle brawl for the soul of Georgia’s Republican Party.

The candidate's exit came Thursday after a lackluster fundraising haul. He admitted defeat, saying, “Right now it’s clear there’s little path forward to the nomination.” That’s code for getting steamrolled by Kemp’s influence and a shifting GOP tide.

Kemp’s power play reshapes race

Kemp’s decision to anoint Dooley isn’t sitting well with everyone. The governor has been burning up phone lines, nudging candidates to rally behind the ex-coach, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It’s a bold flex, but some wonder if Kemp’s betting on the wrong horse.

Dooley, who hasn’t even officially launched his campaign, is already drawing flak. A Dooley spokesperson crowed, “[That] should tell Georgia voters all they need to know.”

Nice try, but conservatives aren’t buying vague bravado when Dooley’s past lukewarm support for Trump raises red flags.

Some GOP operatives are whispering that Dooley’s a weak pick. His reluctance to fully embrace the MAGA movement could alienate grassroots voters who crave a fighter, not a fence-sitter. Kemp’s gamble might backfire if the base revolts.

Trump’s shadow looms large

Enter Rep. Mike Collins, who’s been cozying up to President Donald Trump. Collins is mulling a Senate run and likely has Trump’s blessing locked down.

That endorsement could be a game-changer in a primary where loyalty to Trump is non-negotiable for many voters.

Collins isn’t alone in eyeing the prize. Rep. Buddy Carter has already jumped into the fray, adding more heat to an already scorching GOP primary. The 2026 Senate race is poised to be a gladiatorial showdown, with Ossoff watching from the sidelines.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is another wild card. Rumors swirl that he’s considering a bid, which could further muddy the waters. Raffensperger’s no stranger to controversy, and his entry would make this primary a three-ring circus.

Dooley’s inexperience spurs skepticism

Dooley’s lack of political chops is a glaring issue. A former football coach with no campaign under his belt isn’t exactly the battle-tested warrior conservatives want against Ossoff’s progressive machine. Kemp’s backing might give Dooley a head start, but it’s no guarantee of victory.

King’s campaign, though short-lived, exposed the brutal reality of GOP politics. Fundraising woes and Kemp’s pivot to Dooley left him no room to maneuver. His exit is a cautionary tale for anyone underestimating the governor’s clout.

The GOP primary’s heating up faster than a Georgia summer. With heavyweights like Collins and Carter, plus Raffensperger’s potential bid, the race is a powder keg of ambition and ideology. Dooley’s got to prove he’s more than Kemp’s pet project.

Conservatives demand true fighter

Georgia conservatives want a candidate who will stand firm against the woke tide, not just ride Kemp’s coattails. Dooley’s murky stance on Trump could cost him dearly in a state where MAGA loyalty runs deep. The primary’s shaping up as a referendum on the GOP’s future.

Ossoff, meanwhile, must be grinning. A fractured GOP primary plays right into his hands, giving him time to shore up his progressive base. Whoever emerges from this slugfest will face a formidable incumbent.

The 2026 Senate race is Georgia’s to watch. Kemp’s backing of Dooley has set the stage, but Collins, Carter, and maybe Raffensperger aren’t stepping aside quietly.

It’s a high-stakes clash where only the toughest will survive.