Gaetz warns Georgia governor of possible primary challenge if he doesn’t tap Trump’s favored Senate pick

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) warned Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) on Friday that he could face a primary challenger when running for reelection if he doesn’t select President Trump’s favored candidate for the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).

Gaetz’s tweet Friday comes amid reports that Kemp is expected to announce that financial executive Kelly Loeffler will be chosen over Trump’s preferred selection of Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.).

“You are ignoring his request because you THINK you know better than @POTUS,” Gaetz tweeted. “If you substitute your judgement for the President’s, maybe you need a primary in 2022.  Let’s see if you can win one w/o Trump.”

.@realDonaldTrump told you how to be supportive: Appoint @RepDougCollins.

You are ignoring his request because you THINK you know better than @POTUS.

If you substitute your judgement for the President’s, maybe you need a primary in 2022. Let’s see if you can win one w/o Trump https://t.co/vtjT4CyLMI

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 29, 2019

Gaetz in a follow-up tweet said Kemp would be “hurting Trump” if he does not select Collins.

“It’s not the establishment you are screwing with your donor-induced stubbornness,” Gaetz wrote. “You are hurting President Trump. You know this because he told you.”

“The establishment” is who @realDonaldTrump helped u beat in the primary when you were down double digits.

It’s not the establishment you are screwing with your donor-induced stubbornness.

You are hurting President Trump.

You know this because he told you. https://t.co/rv0DpeChwo

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 29, 2019

Gaetz is a vocal supporter of Trump and his message underscores the dilemma Kemp will face if he follows through with selecting Loeffler.

Kemp’s upcoming decision to select a new senator comes after he met with Trump at the White House on Sunday, with the two reportedly having a disagreement regarding who should fill the seat set to be vacated by Isakson, who is stepping down at the end of the year due to health issues.

Loeffler, if selected, would be the second woman in Georgia history to serve in the Senate. She reportedly accompanied Kemp to his meeting with Trump.

Collins, a four-term congressman, has been a vocal defender of Trump amid the Russia probe and the ongoing impeachment inquiry and has openly shown interest in filling the seat.

Collins has hinted that he may launch a Senate bid of his own if he is not selected by Kemp.