GOP candidates in Georgia split over Trump's election lies

Gov. Brian Kemp, locked in a tight race with Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams, acknowledges former President Donald Trump only when he must. It’s the approach he’s taken since he ratified 16 Democratic electors after Raffensperger certified Biden’s win, a sharp contrast from 2018, when he accepted Trump’s endorsement during a hotly contested GOP primary for governor.

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

When asked about his decision to rebuff Donald Trump and certify Joe Biden’s narrow victory in his state, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says he has no option but to defend his actions.

“We are all held accountable by the voters,” the Republican said as he seeks a second term, noting that he hears from voters who backed Trump’s effort to overturn the election and those aghast at the former president’s actions.

“I give them the facts,” Raffensperger said, because “Americans and Georgians are smart people.”