In 2020, former President Donald Trump faced a significant setback as he became the first GOP presidential candidate in 24 years to lose Georgia. Since then, Georgia has proven to be a challenging state for Trump and the Republican Party. Following his defeat, Republicans lost two U.S. Senate runoff races and Trump's attempt to unseat Republican Governor Brian Kemp in a primary challenge was unsuccessful. Additionally, Trump's endorsed candidate for the Senate in 2022, Hershel Walker, also faced defeat in Georgia.
Furthermore, Trump has faced legal challenges in Georgia, including being indicted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Despite these obstacles, recent polling data indicates that Trump remains competitive in Georgia and is even leading in some polls. However, Republican pollsters and strategists caution against relying too heavily on these poll results, considering them a potential mirage.
Trump's campaign team acknowledges that winning Georgia in the upcoming 2024 election will be a close contest. While addressing a supportive audience in a conservative part of the state, Trump is expected to focus on key issues such as immigration. The presence of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, known for her staunch conservative views, has further energized the crowd.
Greene's recent clash with President Biden at the State of the Union has garnered attention, and her alignment with Trump's immigration stance is likely to resonate with the audience. Trump has made immigration a central theme of his campaign since becoming the presumptive nominee, and this focus is expected to continue as he seeks to rally support in Georgia.