Trump Gives Kemp ‘Full And Total Endorsement’ In Ga. Governor’s Race

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, Republican primary candidate for governor, approaches the podium to address supporters during an election night results party Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in Athens, Ga.

John Amis / Associated Press

On Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump endorsed Secretary of State Brian Kemp in next week’s Republican runoff for Georgia governor.

“The Primary is on Tuesday. Brian is tough on crime, strong on the border and illegal immigration,” Trump tweeted.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2018

Kemp, who faces Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in Tuesday’s election, also secured the endorsement of former candidate Hunter Hill this week.

While Gov. Nathan Deal came out in favor of Cagle to succeed him.

“My concern is let’s not undue, or transform in a negative fashion, the good reforms that have been put in place,” Deal said earlier this week when endorsing Cagle. “That will be the challenge for the next governor of this state, to not go backwards but to go forward.”

Cagle also has the support of the National Rifle Association.

The winner of the Republican primary runoff faces Democrat Stacey Abrams in November.