Brad Raffensperger became famous by defying Trump. Now he wants Georgia Republicans to forget that

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican candidate for governor, is seeking to redefine his political identity after gaining fame for opposing Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory in the state. Raffensperger, who won reelection in 2022 despite Trump’s scorn, is spending millions of his own money to portray himself as a conservative Christian businessman rather than the figure associated with defying Trump. The 70-year-old’s campaign faces an uphill battle in next Tuesday’s primary, where he competes against Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson, both spending heavily to attack each other. Raffensperger’s ads contrast his disciplined approach with their chaotic rivalry, framing himself as the only candidate focused on Georgians’ needs. However, his past stance on election integrity could become a liability if the race advances to a June 16 runoff, where conservative loyalty to Trump may dominate. Raffensperger has faced threats in recent years, including a four-page document sent to a Mississippi sheriff’s office depicting him with the word ‘boom’ across his forehead. During a recent campaign stop in Macon, a suspicious object prompted an airport evacuation, though it was not a bomb. His spokesperson confirmed a credible threat was reported just before his flight. His relationship with Jones, one of 16 Georgia Republicans who falsely declared themselves Trump electors in 2020, remains strained. Raffensperger’s role in election administration has made him a target for criticism from Republicans, even those not fully aligned with Trump. With the primary shaping up as a costly and divisive contest, Raffensperger’s ability to shed his 2020 baggage and appeal to conservative voters remains uncertain. The campaign’s success hinges on whether Georgia Republicans are willing to overlook his past defiance of Trump. Raffensperger’s strategy relies on redirecting focus from his election stance to his conservative credentials, but the primary’s tone suggests loyalty to Trump’s agenda may outweigh other considerations.