Key facts
- Georgia's Republican primary runoffs feature divisions between Rep. Mike Collins and Derek Dooley for Senate, and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson for Governor.
Georgia's Republican primary runoffs reveal deep party divisions and unusual alliances as key figures like Donald Trump and Brian Kemp back different candidates. The outcomes will test the party's ability to unify ahead of the general election.
The divisions within the Georgia Republican party, highlighted by conflicting endorsements from key figures like Donald Trump and Brian Kemp, could impact the party's ability to unify and win crucial statewide races in November.
The final days of Georgia's Republican primary campaigns have been marked by internal party divisions and unusual alliances ahead of Tuesday's runoff elections. The contests for U.S. Senate and Governor will test the party's ability to consolidate quickly for the general election.
In the race for U.S. Senate, Rep. Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley are vying for the Republican nomination. For Governor, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson are competing. President Donald Trump has endorsed Collins for Senate and Jones for Governor. However, outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, while campaigning with Jones, has backed Dooley for the Senate seat, arguing an outsider is needed to defeat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Trump's endorsement of Collins came late, with a social media post noting Dooley's support for Trump's false claims about the 2020 election loss. Kemp's differing endorsements highlight his complex relationship with Trump, stemming from Kemp's certification of Biden's electors in 2020. Kemp stated his actions are focused on winning in November, seeing Jones as the right candidate to defeat Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, while Dooley is the necessary outsider for the Senate race.
Adding to the fractured landscape, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has endorsed Jackson for Governor, placing him at odds with Trump and Kemp. Top grassroots organizers are also divided. Debbie Dooley, a prominent tea party organizer, is backing Jones for Governor and Derek Dooley for Senate, emphasizing the need for unity after Tuesday's vote. Jenny Beth Martin, founder of Tea Party Patriots, has appeared with Collins.
Dooley embraced Kemp's influence and downplayed Trump's, stating a vote for Collins is a vote for Ossoff, while a vote for him is for the people of Georgia. Jackson also downplayed Kemp's endorsement of Jones, expressing confidence in his outsider appeal. Cruz, speaking on Jackson's behalf, humorously noted Jackson's status as a wealthy, first-time candidate.