Trump Tests His Kingmaker Reputation in Georgia

Former president seeks to oust Kemp and others blamed for loss
Defeats by Trump candidates will weaken position as GOP leader

Donald Trump speaks to the crowd during a rally in Florence, South Carolina on March 12. — Donald Trump speaks to the crowd during a rally in Florence, South Carolina on March 12.
Photographer: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

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By Mark Niquette and Margaret Newkirk

March 24, 2022 at 12:00 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Former President Donald Trump is focusing most of his ire over losing the 2020 election on Georgia, where he will put his status as a GOP kingmaker on the line this weekend to turn voters against the state’s Republican governor and other party incumbents.

Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in north Georgia on Saturday night to boost former U.S. Senator David Perdue, whom he recruited to run against Governor Brian Kemp, and Representative Jody Hice, who is squaring off against Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, another Republican.