US primaries: In Georgia, a proxy war between Trump and Pence

Former US Vice President Mike Pence will wage a proxy electoral battle with his former boss Donald Trump in the upcoming primary elections in Georgia. Both Pence and Trump have endorsed the top two contenders in the Republican race for Georgia’s governor’s office.

Brian Kemp, the incumbent governor of Georgia, will be going against former US Senator David Perdue — who has been backed by Trump. Kemp, 58, held back his support for Trump after the January 6 riots at the US Capitol complex.

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Mike Pence endorsed Republican governor Kemp earlier this month, a move that is being described as one of the most notable acts of defiance against his former boss Donald Trump. Pence also announced that he will be rallying alongside Kemp a day before the elections. Polling will be held on May 24, 2022.

Georgia’s primary elections are considered to be one of the most crucial ones this year. The state’s runoff elections last year for the United States Senate gave Democrats a thin majority.

How do polls look right now?

More than 600,000 people have already voted in the early-poll slots in Georgia, marking the highest number of ballots cast in the state before the elections begin. Of those more than 600,000, over 567,000 voted in person and 47,500 voted by absentee mail-in ballots, New York Times reported.

Also Read: Why Pennsylvania still doesn’t have a GOP candidate for US Senate

According to a Fox News poll, incumbent Kemp has maintained a lead over former Senator Perdue by 32 points in the Republican race for the governor’s office.

The same poll found that 60% of Georgia voters preferred Kemp while 28% said they were supporting Perdue. The poll suggests a notable shift in public opinion as Perdue previously held a commanding lead till March this year.