Many people wonder if Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is related to Jack Kemp, the former congressman, cabinet secretary, and vice-presidential nominee. The two men share the same last name and political party, but are they family?
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The Short Answer: No
According to Market Realist, Brian Kemp and Jack Kemp are not related. The rumors that Jack Kemp is Brian Kemp’s father are false. Brian Kemp’s father is William L. Kemp, a former Georgia state senator and businessman.
Jack Kemp was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1935. He had a successful career as a professional football player before entering politics. He served as a U.S. representative from New York from 1971 to 1989, as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993, and as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 1996, running alongside Bob Dole. He died in 2009 from cancer.
Brian Kemp was born in Athens, Georgia, in 1963. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in agriculture. He started his own business in construction and real estate before entering politics. He served as a Georgia state senator from 2003 to 2007, as the Secretary of State of Georgia from 2010 to 2018, and as the Governor of Georgia since 2019. He is married to Marty Argo and has three daughters.
The Long Answer: Why People Think They Are Related
There are several reasons why people might think that Brian Kemp and Jack Kemp are related, besides their common surname and political affiliation.
– Both men have been involved in football. Jack Kemp was a quarterback for several teams in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). Brian Kemp played football at Clarke Central High School in Athens and was named captain of the team.
– Both men have been influential figures in the Republican Party. Jack Kemp was known for his advocacy of supply-side economics, tax cuts, and civil rights. He was considered a potential presidential candidate in several elections and was chosen as Dole’s running mate in 1996. Brian Kemp has been a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and his policies. He has also faced criticism for his handling of the 2018 gubernatorial election against Stacey Abrams and the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
– Both men have faced controversies and scandals in their careers. Jack Kemp was accused of nepotism, cronyism, and mismanagement during his tenure as HUD secretary. He was also criticized for his involvement in the Iran-Contra affair and his support for apartheid South Africa. Brian Kemp has been accused of voter suppression, data breach, and abuse of power during his tenure as secretary of state. He has also been criticized for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and his signing of a controversial election law in 2021.
The Bottom Line: They Are Not Related
Despite the similarities and speculations, Brian Kemp and Jack Kemp are not related by blood or marriage. They are two different individuals who have made their own marks on American politics and history.
