In a dramatic shift in political allegiances, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is exploring the possibility of removing three members of the State Election Board, just days after receiving a public endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The move underscores the complex and evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, particularly in swing states like Georgia.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Kemp, a Republican, has asked Georgia’s attorney general whether he has the authority to fire members of the state’s election board. The investigation comes in response to controversial decisions by the board’s right-leaning majority that have drawn criticism from a variety of quarters, including voting rights groups, Democrats and even some Republicans.

Newsweek asked Kemp and Trump’s office for comment via email on Monday.

The three board members in question – Janelle King, Rick Jeffares and Dr. Janice Johnston – were appointed earlier this year and quickly found themselves at the center of a political storm. Their recent approval of changes requiring election boards to look for voting discrepancies before certifying results has sparked heated debate and led to complaints being filed against them for ethics violations.

This development is particularly notable given the recent reconciliation between Kemp and Trump. The former president, who had previously branded Kemp “disloyal” and referred to him as “little Brian Kemp,” abruptly changed his tone on Thursday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump thanked Kemp for his “help and support in Georgia” and stressed how important it was for the Republican Party and the country to win the state.

The timing of this reconciliation and Kemp’s subsequent crackdown on Trump-aligned board members comes as recent polls show an increasingly tight race in Georgia between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21. The latest average of FiveThirtyEight polls shows Trump leading Harris by just 0.5 percent in Georgia, a stark contrast to his previous significant lead over Biden.

Greg Bluestein, reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitutionannounced on X (formerly Twitter) that Kemp’s office is seeking advice on removing board members, saying, “Voter rights groups, Democrats, and even some Republicans have raised alarms about the right-wing majority’s recent votes.”

Adding to the pressure on Kemp is an X-post from Max Flugrath, communications director for Georgia’s Fair Fight election nonprofit. Flugrath emphasized that Georgia law (GA Code § 45-10-4) provides a clear process for removing board members and questioned the necessity of Kemp’s request to the attorney general.

The law states that after formal charges are filed, the governor must hold a hearing to receive evidence, and if the charges are found to be true, the governor is required to immediately remove the member from office.

This situation puts Kemp in a delicate position. On the one hand, he is under pressure from his party and voting rights activists to take action against the board members. On the other hand, any action against these Trump-supported officials could strain his newly rehabilitated relationship with the former president, who continues to wield great influence within the Republican base.

The controversy comes at a crucial time for Georgia, a key swing state in national elections. With the 2024 presidential election looming and polls predicting a close contest, the state’s election procedures are under intense scrutiny. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for how elections are conducted and certified in Georgia, potentially affecting voter confidence and participation.

Kemp’s decision could not only impact the electoral process in Georgia, but also influence the debate within the Republican Party about election integrity and the balance of power between state-level politicians and national figures.

Right now, all eyes are on the Georgia Attorney General’s office as it prepares to respond to Kemp’s request. His leadership will be critical in determining the next steps in this unfolding political drama that has once again thrust Georgia into the national spotlight due to election-related controversies.