Mar 22, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Trump endorses primary challenger to Georgia secretary of state

Fadel Allassan

Former President Trump on Monday endorsed Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.) in his bid to unseat Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who refused to overturn the state's 2020 election results.

The big picture: Even after leaving office, Trump has continued to attack Republicans who did not give credence to his false claim that the election was rigged — like Raffensperger and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

The former president has continued to wield considerable clout over the GOP with a series of endorsements, primarily targeting Republicans who voted to impeach or convict him, writes Axios' Jonathan Swan.

What he's saying: "Jody has been a steadfast fighter for conservative Georgia values and is a staunch ally of the America First agenda. Unlike the current Georgia Secretary of State, Jody leads out front with integrity." Trump wrote in a news release sent by his PAC, Save America.

"I have 100% confidence in Jody to fight for Free, Fair, and Secure Elections in Georgia, in line with our beloved U.S. Constitution."
"Jody will stop the Fraud and get honesty into our Elections! Jody loves the people of Georgia, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement."

Worth noting: Raffensperger's office recently confirmed that it is investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the state's election, including a January phone call between Trump and Raffensperger during which the former president asked him to "find" enough votes to flip the result.

Go deeper: Inside the GOP courtship of Trump's endorsement

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Trump endorses primary challenger to Georgia secretary of state

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