Republican benefactor Miriam Adelson has donated $1 million to Governor Brian Kemp’s super PAC, as shown in federal campaign finance records. This financial boost is seen as beneficial for former President Donald Trump in the crucial state of Georgia, suggesting a potential thaw in relations between Trump and Kemp.
The donation will significantly enhance Kemp’s efforts to mobilize voters in support of Trump and other GOP candidates. In the 2020 election, Trump lost Georgia by a narrow margin of 11,779 votes, which is less than 0.3% of the total. With the upcoming 2024 election against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on the horizon, the race in Georgia is anticipated to be highly competitive.
This contribution from Adelson, who is a leading contributor to Republican causes and the widow of the late casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, signifies a warming of relations between her and the Georgia governor. The ongoing collaboration may reflect a truce between Trump and Kemp, who have had their share of public disagreements, particularly regarding Trump’s loss in Georgia during the last presidential election.
Trump has continued to claim, without evidence, that he won Georgia in 2020, frequently referencing alleged voter fraud as he campaigns for a return to the presidency. In contrast, Kemp has openly urged Trump to put the past behind them, maintaining his position on the state’s election outcomes.
Attempts to mend their relationship initiated following a campaign rally in late August, where Trump sharply criticized Kemp for about ten minutes, labeling him as “disloyal” and describing him as “a very average governor.” This criticism came despite Kemp successfully winning his GOP primary against Trump’s chosen candidate, David Perdue, by a significant margin in 2022.
During the same rally, Trump derided Kemp’s wife, Marty, who expressed intentions of writing in Kemp’s name for president in 2024. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, an ally of Trump, later advised him that such insults would jeopardize Trump’s chances in Georgia, a state deemed crucial for his campaign.
Following the rally, Graham met privately with Kemp at a GOP fundraiser hosted by former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler. Graham then facilitated a private conversation between Kemp and Adelson, confirming the engagement through sources familiar with the details but unable to speak publicly on the matter.
Kemp agreed to an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, a known Trump supporter, during which he voiced his stance that Trump should be returned to the presidency. Shortly after, Trump commended Kemp on social media for his backing.
Kemp and Adelson’s prior interactions have been sporadic over the years, but they were expected to meet at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s leadership conference in Las Vegas. Other prominent figures, including National Republican Senate Campaign Chairman Steve Daines, were scheduled to speak at the event. However, Kemp had to cancel his plans to attend on September 4, following a tragic mass shooting incident at Apalachee High School in Georgia, which led to multiple casualties.
Despite Adelson’s financial support to Kemp’s political action committee “Hardworking Americans,” which is noted to have occurred shortly after a check dated September 20, lingering tensions remain apparent. Just over a week later, Trump criticized President Joe Biden for allegedly politicizing the federal response to Hurricane Helene while also suggesting Biden was not in coordination with Kemp, who was managing the aftermath of the hurricane’s impact in Georgia.
Kemp clarified the situation, stating that Biden had reached out to him directly the day before and offered assistance. He expressed appreciation for the communication, noting, “He offered that if there are other things we need, just to call him directly.” This acknowledgment seems to confirm a cooperative relationship with federal officials amid ongoing challenges in the state.