Brian Kemp Republican Trump speech.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is trying to project political influence even as his term nears its end. The Republican’s final State of the State speech Thursday was most likely not a farewell. After defying President Donald Trump and thriving, Kemp is supporting candidates aligned with his small government, low-tax agenda. He’s pushing further income tax cuts and rebates in his final session, while promising bonuses to teachers and state employees. Kemp is backing Derek Dooley in a Republican U.S. Senate primary, seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. Kemp’s own future remains uncertain. Democrats hope to gain ground without him at the helm.