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Trump Endorses Collins in Georgia GOP Senate Runoff

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Georgia Senate Primary Runoff: Trump-Backed Collins Faces Kemp-Backed Dooley

The Republican primary runoff election for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia is scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday. The winner will face Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff in the November general election.

Candidates and Context

The runoff features two candidates:

  • Rep. Mike Collins: A second-term congressman who led the primary election on May 19 by more than 10 points but did not receive over 40% of the vote, triggering the runoff.
  • Derek Dooley: A political newcomer and former football coach. He was recruited by outgoing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

The race has drawn attention due to the involvement of national party figures.

Endorsements and Statements

President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Collins. On Truth Social, Trump stated that Collins has his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Trump described Collins as a "true friend, fighter, and WARRIOR" who "has been with me from the very beginning."

Trump also criticized Dooley, stating he "doesn't know" him and noting that Dooley did not vote in the 2016 or 2020 elections.

Mike Collins thanked Trump for the endorsement. "Everybody knows that I do best with the MAGA base," Collins stated, adding that he intends to "fire Jon Ossoff in November."

Derek Dooley said he respects Trump and looks forward to working with him. He argued that Georgia voters want a "political outsider" instead of "typical D.C. politicians like Mike Collins." Dooley's campaign has been endorsed by Governor Brian Kemp.

Electability and Strategy

Arguments regarding which candidate is best positioned to defeat Senator Ossoff have been made by both campaigns.

  • Collins argues his record of results is necessary to beat Ossoff.
  • Kemp has pointed to three first-term Republican senators who won in 2024 as outsiders, arguing that Dooley's lack of political experience is an asset.

Background

The race is considered crucial for determining control of the U.S. Senate. Governor Kemp and President Trump have a complicated relationship. Trump has recently endorsed other candidates who challenged less loyal Republicans, such as Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas.