Before Trump's Georgia Rally, Kemp Joins Pence at Event
Kemp and Pence share a longstanding friendship.
TroibNews 
Donald Trump made his way back to Georgia on Tuesday, marking his first campaign appearance in the state since concluding his public dispute with the Republican governor last month.
However, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp did not attend Trump's rally in Savannah. Instead, he was occupied with fundraising efforts for several Republican initiatives, including support for Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick, alongside backing a group affiliated with Mike Pence, Trump's former vice president and adversary.
In the days leading up to Trump's rally, Kemp participated in a donor retreat for Pence’s political nonprofit, Advancing American Freedom, as confirmed by a source who requested anonymity. The event occurred in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where Kemp and Georgia's first lady, Marty Kemp, dined with donors on Sunday. On Monday, they had individual discussions with Pence and his wife, Karen Pence.
Kemp and Pence share a long-standing friendship. Pence even campaigned for Kemp during the 2022 Republican primary, where Kemp defeated the Trump-endorsed candidate, former Senator David Perdue. Their relationship continued as Pence contested against Trump in last year’s Republican presidential primary, according to the insider familiar with Kemp's recent engagement at the retreat.
On Tuesday, Kemp was in Pennsylvania supporting McCormick, participating in fundraising events and campaign activities. These Pennsylvania engagements were scheduled weeks prior to the announcement of Trump's concurrent rally in Georgia.
During his speech in Savannah, which predominantly centered on economic policy, Trump notably praised Kemp. Just a month prior, Trump had described Kemp publicly as “a bad guy” and branded him “Little Brian Kemp.” However, under pressure from supporters to preserve his prospects in Georgia, Trump shifted quickly to commending Kemp for his contributions to Republican successes in the state. Allies of both figures had worked earnestly to foster a reconciliation ahead of the upcoming elections.
“I also want to thank Governor Kemp,” Trump stated on Tuesday, despite Kemp's absence from the crowd. “He's been fantastic. He really has been fantastic. We are going to get this done. But I want to thank Governor Kemp for his support. Great support."
Previously, Trump privately expressed frustration over Kemp's absence from his events and fundraisers, particularly when Kemp’s wife remarked in a local interview that she intended to write her husband's name on the ballot for president this fall instead of voting for Trump. Nonetheless, since last month, Trump has adopted a more favorable tone regarding Kemp.
Kemp, for his part, attended a Trump fundraiser in Atlanta on August 29, which was co-hosted by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Those close to Trump noted that Kemp's assertion during a recent Fox News appearance, stating, “We need to send Donald Trump back to the White House,” was well-received. Despite this, Kemp has consistently indicated his intention to support all Republican candidates, including whoever emerges as the party's presidential nominee.
Irie Sentner contributed to this report.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
However, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp did not attend Trump's rally in Savannah. Instead, he was occupied with fundraising efforts for several Republican initiatives, including support for Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick, alongside backing a group affiliated with Mike Pence, Trump's former vice president and adversary.
In the days leading up to Trump's rally, Kemp participated in a donor retreat for Pence’s political nonprofit, Advancing American Freedom, as confirmed by a source who requested anonymity. The event occurred in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where Kemp and Georgia's first lady, Marty Kemp, dined with donors on Sunday. On Monday, they had individual discussions with Pence and his wife, Karen Pence.
Kemp and Pence share a long-standing friendship. Pence even campaigned for Kemp during the 2022 Republican primary, where Kemp defeated the Trump-endorsed candidate, former Senator David Perdue. Their relationship continued as Pence contested against Trump in last year’s Republican presidential primary, according to the insider familiar with Kemp's recent engagement at the retreat.
On Tuesday, Kemp was in Pennsylvania supporting McCormick, participating in fundraising events and campaign activities. These Pennsylvania engagements were scheduled weeks prior to the announcement of Trump's concurrent rally in Georgia.
During his speech in Savannah, which predominantly centered on economic policy, Trump notably praised Kemp. Just a month prior, Trump had described Kemp publicly as “a bad guy” and branded him “Little Brian Kemp.” However, under pressure from supporters to preserve his prospects in Georgia, Trump shifted quickly to commending Kemp for his contributions to Republican successes in the state. Allies of both figures had worked earnestly to foster a reconciliation ahead of the upcoming elections.
“I also want to thank Governor Kemp,” Trump stated on Tuesday, despite Kemp's absence from the crowd. “He's been fantastic. He really has been fantastic. We are going to get this done. But I want to thank Governor Kemp for his support. Great support."
Previously, Trump privately expressed frustration over Kemp's absence from his events and fundraisers, particularly when Kemp’s wife remarked in a local interview that she intended to write her husband's name on the ballot for president this fall instead of voting for Trump. Nonetheless, since last month, Trump has adopted a more favorable tone regarding Kemp.
Kemp, for his part, attended a Trump fundraiser in Atlanta on August 29, which was co-hosted by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Those close to Trump noted that Kemp's assertion during a recent Fox News appearance, stating, “We need to send Donald Trump back to the White House,” was well-received. Despite this, Kemp has consistently indicated his intention to support all Republican candidates, including whoever emerges as the party's presidential nominee.
Irie Sentner contributed to this report.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
