In Georgia, there’s been a move within the Republican Party to distance themselves from Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, largely due to his role in certifying the 2020 election results despite pressure from then-President Donald Trump to overturn them. This has led to a backlash among Republican activists, as seen at a state GOP convention in Dalton, where delegates voted in favor of a resolution against Raffensperger running under the Republican banner in future elections.
The tension stems from Raffensperger’s perceived disregard for the party’s wishes and his handling of the election process, which some party members argue diverges from Republican values. Alex Johnson, who chairs the Georgia Republican Assembly, voiced criticism, accusing Raffensperger of being disrespectful towards the party and its representatives. However, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon pointed out that legally, there’s no basis for disqualifying Raffensperger from running as a Republican, as party guidelines and state laws safeguard such rights.
Raffensperger, who is contemplating a run for governor or the U.S. Senate, has not responded to these developments. Georgia’s open primary system, which allows voters to participate in any party’s selection process, complicates the matter as it blurs clear partisan lines. This electoral system is contrasting against desires from some Republicans, who advocate for registered party affiliation and restricted party primaries.
The issue of gatekeeping in the party has surfaced before. In January, the party’s executive committee expelled former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan after he endorsed Kamala Harris. Though Duncan was banned from participating in party events and running as a Republican, broader efforts to exclude so-called ideological traitors in primary ballots were not upheld. Legal challenges have occurred, especially after Catoosa County sought to restrict who could qualify for primary candidacy. The state Supreme Court has not decisively settled whether political parties can enforce stricter qualification criteria, leaving it tied up in legal proceedings that have reached the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Some party members argue for strict control over who can run as Republican candidates, aiming to steer the party towards more conservative values. This view was reflected in the state convention’s calling for reductions in taxes and other right-wing policies. However, opposition to this stance argues that primary elections should be arenas for the voters to decide which candidates best represent Republican ideals, not gatekeepers exerting control.
U.S. District Judge Billy Ray has weighed in on the matter, advocating that voters are the rightful deciders in primaries and indicating that restricting candidate participation conflicts with the role primaries are intended to serve. Such sentiments reflect a division within the party about how best to uphold Republican values and who gets to determine the party’s future direction.