As Esteves read these lines, the screen flashed with images of Trump, Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Esteves’ only announced Republican rival, Attorney General Chris Carr, who became the first to throw his hat in the ring in November.

The new bill they discussed for the first time on Wednesday would require that a person receive a hearing before any formal deportation is carried out.

A high-profile state lawmaker with deep ties to Georgia politics is making a bid for the state’s top legal post, signaling a contentious Republican primary ahead.