ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said in a candid interview with CNN that he abstained from voting in the state's Republican primary in March and did not vote for former President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN's “The Source” on Wednesday, Kemp justified his decision by citing the timing of the state's primary elections. “I didn't vote for anyone. I voted, but I didn't vote for anyone,” Kemp said, noting, “I mean, the race was already over when the primary came around here.” Despite his decision to vote in the primary, Kemp stressed that he would support the Republican Party in the upcoming November election, in which Trump will face Democratic candidate Joe Biden.

“He was the likely nominee before the primary even happened,” Kemp told Collins, adding that he considered endorsing a candidate but ultimately did not do so due to a variety of circumstances. Despite these considerations, Kemp has consistently stated that his loyalty in the general election lies with the Republicans.

Kemp had previously announced that he would support the Republican candidate.

His latest remarks come as Georgia prepares for the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden. Governor Kemp used the opportunity to advise Trump, with whom he shares a turbulent past, to focus on future actions to secure the support of undecided voters in Atlanta. “Trump has a great opportunity to really think forward-looking. Not to look in the rearview mirror, to focus on the past, but to keep the future contrast in mind,” Kemp commented.

Trump lost Georgia by over 11,000 votes in 2020, a state that last went to the Democrats in 1992 with Bill Clinton's victory. This political divide also affected Kemp's own relationship with Trump after the governor refused to call a special session of the legislature that would have overturned the election results in Georgia, prompting Trump to openly speak out against Kemp's political future.

Although he has no direct contact with Trump or support from the campaign, Kemp stressed that he is focused on steering the state toward a Republican victory: “We'll see how the race plays out and what they ask for or need. But right now, I'm focused on getting the votes so we can win,” he said.

Asked about his concerns about possible challenges to the election by Trump, Kemp spoke of his faith in the resilience of democratic institutions. “I'm not overly worried about the institutions of democracy – they have withstood a lot of pressure,” Kemp said, emphasizing his belief in the continued strength of democracy despite all the difficulties.