Governor Brian Kemp address the General Assembly.
Caption

In this file photo from Jan. 16, 2020, Gov. Brian Kemp, center, is flanked by House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, right, and Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan as he speaks during the State of the State address before a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly.

Credit: John Bazemore, AP

Monday on Political Rewind: Gov. Brian Kemp faces more criticism from former President Donald Trump. During a GOP donor event in Florida, Trump again accused Kemp of failing to root out unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

The criticism comes as Kemp manages fallout from Georgia's controversial new election law, which has brought national attention to the state. With a reelection campaign looming on the horizon, will Kemp’s aggressive push to defend the Republican-crafted changes return him to the good graces of his party’s base?

Also, looking ahead to the 2022 election, how will the unfolding battle between GOP leaders and Georgia-based corporations play out? Both state and national leaders in the GOP are grappling with sustained pushback from business leaders critical of the recent legislative changes to election law.

Others in state politics are considering their futures. An aide to Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan says he is unlikely to seek a second-term next year. Meanwhile, a former Democratic state representative who became a Republican in January is signaling his intent to run for governor: Vernon Jones says he is planning to announce his bid this week.

Panelists:

Michael Thurmond — CEO, DeKalb County

Sam Olens — Former State Attorney General

Donna Lowry — Host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Lawmakers

Jim Galloway — Former Columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution