Former Georgia Sen. David Perdue launches primary bid against GOP Gov. Brian Kemp

Perdue, a close Trump ally, has reportedly said he doesn't believe Kemp can beat Democrat Stacey Abrams.

Former Georgia Republican Sen. David Purdue on Monday announced a primary challenge against GOP Gov. Brian Kemp, setting off what will be a bitter and competitive primary between former President Donald Trump’s close ally and the sitting incumbent.

With a primary date seemingly far in the distance, Perdue already is running a campaign against 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams, who announced a second run for the governor’s office last week.

"Look, I like Brian. This isn't personal. It's simple. He has failed all of us and cannot win in November. Instead of protecting our elections, he caved to Abrams. It cost us two Senate seats, the Senate majority and gave Joe Biden free rein," Perdue said.

Perdue and former Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler lost races for both of Georgia’s Senate seats this year, handing the Senate majority to Democrats, after President Joe Biden bested Trump in November.