Two-term Republican Congressman Mike Collins officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia.
The big picture: Collins released a campaign video on July 8, expressing doubt about Ossoff’s loyalty to Georgia and pledging to “steamroll the radical left” and prioritize Georgians’ interests.
- He strongly aligns himself with former President Donald Trump, branding himself as a member of the “MAGA workforce” and emphasizing support for Trump’s “America First” agenda.
- Collins joins a competitive Republican primary field that includes Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and state Insurance Commissioner John King.
- Derek Dooley, former University of Tennessee football coach, is reportedly considering a run, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signaling support for Dooley.
Go deeper: Trump has not yet endorsed any Republican candidate for the Senate race; his backing is considered a critical factor in the primary.
- Governor Kemp, who declined to run in May, remains a key figure whose coordinated endorsement with Trump is seen as crucial for GOP success in this conservative-leaning but competitive state.
- Collins has emphasized his efforts backing Trump’s policies, noting his role in passing the controversial “big beautiful bill” and authoring the Laken Riley Act, which calls for ICE detention of illegal immigrants for petty crimes such as theft.
- The Senate race is viewed as highly competitive, with Ossoff being the only Democratic senator seeking reelection in a state narrowly won by Trump in 2024.
Photo: Gage Skidmore
