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The state of Georgia has one of the most heated gubernatorial elections underway.

Incumbent GOP Governor Brian Kemp is currently encountering a primary challenge from former Republican Sen. David Perdue.

Days ago, Kemp and Perdue had their very first primary debate. During this time, the two Republicans sparred over the 2020 presidential election, crime in Atlanta, and a litany of other issues.

Perdue charged Kemp with failing to do his duty to combat election fraud. Meanwhile, Kemp accused his former ally of passing the buck for losing his runoff election to Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff last year.

Now, a fresh poll from Georgia is out and it shows the incumbent governor with a substantial lead.

The latest data on Kemp vs. Perdue

According to a new poll by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, 53% of Georgia GOP primary voters are supportive of Kemp. Perdue comes in next with 27% support from Republicans in the Peach State.

Kemp and Perdue are each heading towards the gubernatorial primary on May 24. If the Georgia governor can win the primary with 50%, he can deter a run-off election against Perdue.

Furthermore, Kemp's 26-point lead over Perdue comes in spite of the former senator having strong support from former President Trump.

Likewise, Trump has gone after Kemp intensely over disagreements between the pair about the handling of the 2020 presidential election.

More on Georgia's 2022 gubernatorial election polls

Judging from Kemp's polling, he appears to be holding his own and on track to winning the Georgia Republican primary. If Kemp does win the primary election on May 24, he'll face Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.

Kemp faced off against Abrams back in 2018 and defeated her. The Georgia governor is adamant that he can run on his record and beat Abrams yet again.

Polls exhibiting a Kemp vs. Abrams contest show the Georgia governor winning the race. A Republican win is also shown in a speculative Perdue vs. Abrams contest; however, Perdue's forecasted defeat of Abrams is by a smaller margin than that of Kemp's.

The governor of Georgia is set to debate Perdue twice more ahead of Tuesday, May 24.