Republican Rep. Mike Collins won the Georgia GOP Senate runoff on Tuesday, defeating former football coach Derek Dooley. Collins, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will now face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the November general election, a race that could determine control of the Senate.
Collins secured 55.2% of the vote, while Dooley received 44.8%, according to the Associated Press. The runoff followed a May 19 primary where no candidate secured a majority. Collins led the primary with 40.5% of the vote, followed by Dooley at 30.2% and Rep. Buddy Carter at 25.1%.
The race highlights a proxy battle between Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who backed Dooley. Trump endorsed Collins days before the runoff, calling him a "true Friend, Fighter, and WARRIOR." Dooley, meanwhile, positioned himself as a political outsider and emphasized his ties to Georgia.
Ossoff, a prolific fundraiser, has built a strong campaign infrastructure and is considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents. Republicans see the race as a key opportunity to expand their Senate majority, while Democrats aim to retain Ossoff's seat. The state has become a battleground, reflecting broader national political dynamics.
Collins, a staunch Trump supporter, has emphasized his work on immigration legislation, including the Laken Riley Act. Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, argued he was better positioned to defeat Ossoff in November. The general election is expected to be closely watched, with polling showing a tight race.
The runoff also featured low voter turnout concerns, with operatives warning about the impact of summer heat and voter fatigue. Collins' victory sets the stage for a high-stakes Senate contest in November.