Trump Endorses Mike Collins for Georgia Senate Runoff

President Trump endorsed Rep. Mike Collins on Sunday for the Republican Senate runoff in Georgia. Collins is competing against former college football coach Derek Dooley in a Tuesday contest to determine who will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff for a seat that could influence control of the U.S. Senate.

Trump announced the move in a Truth Social post, describing Collins as a “true Friend, Fighter, and WARRIOR” who has his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” The president called Collins a “very successful Businessman” who fights for the “America First Agenda.”

Why is there a Republican runoff in Georgia?

The runoff occurs because no Republican candidate cleared 50% of the vote in last month’s primary. This follows the elimination of a third candidate, GOP Rep. Buddy Carter.

Republicans are seeking a pickup opportunity in Georgia, a state Trump won in 2024. Sen. Jon Ossoff is currently the only Democrat seeking reelection in the state, according to the provided text.

Did You Know? In last month’s primary, Rep. Mike Collins finished first with nearly 41% of the vote, while Derek Dooley secured approximately 30%.

Who are the candidates facing off on Tuesday?

Rep. Mike Collins has represented Georgia in the House since 2023 and owns a trucking business. He has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of the president.

Derek Dooley is an attorney and former University of Tennessee football coach. He is the son of legendary University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley.

Dooley has billed himself as a political outsider. While he wrote on X that the “most important endorsement is that of the Georgia people,” he stated Sunday that he has “great respect for President Trump” and intends to work with him.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this endorsement transforms a primary runoff into a proxy battle between Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp. Because Kemp’s political operation supports Dooley, the result may signal which faction of the Georgia GOP holds more sway over the electorate.

How does the Trump-Kemp rivalry affect the race?

Gov. Brian Kemp has thrown his support and state political operation behind Derek Dooley. Trump and Kemp have been at odds since the 2020 election, when Kemp resisted Trump’s attempts to intervene in Georgia’s results.

Trump endorses Mike Collins in Georgia’s U.S. Senate Runoff

Trump addressed Dooley in his Truth Social post, stating, “I don’t know Derek Dooley, and neither does anyone else,” though he added that Dooley “seems like a nice person.”

What may happen next in the Senate race?

The winner of Tuesday’s runoff will secure the Republican nomination to face Sen. Jon Ossoff. This outcome could determine the eventual control of the upper chamber.

Depending on the runoff result, the GOP may either move forward with a candidate aligned with the “America First Agenda” or a candidate backed by the state’s governor. Dooley has argued he is better situated to beat Ossoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did President Trump endorse for the Georgia Senate runoff?
President Trump endorsed Rep. Mike Collins.

What is the professional background of Derek Dooley?
Dooley is an attorney and a former college football coach at the University of Tennessee.

Why is Gov. Brian Kemp involved in the runoff?
Gov. Kemp has provided his support and his state political operation to Derek Dooley.

How do you think high-profile endorsements impact the outcome of primary runoffs?