President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins in the Georgia Republican Senate runoff, criticizing his opponent Derek Dooley and backing Collins as a "WARRIOR and WINNER."
The endorsement highlights Donald Trump's continued influence in Republican primaries and the internal party dynamics ahead of the general election, particularly in a key swing state like Georgia.
President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins on Sunday for the Georgia Republican Senate runoff, attacking his opponent Derek Dooley and framing Collins as a "WARRIOR and WINNER."
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, referred to Collins as "'MAGA' Mike Collins" and stated he was strongly supported by "MAGA Patriots" and Republicans in Congress. The winner of Tuesday's runoff will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the general election. Trump labeled Ossoff a "Radical Left Dumocrat," "weak and pathetic," and a "laughingstock."
Collins and Dooley both failed to secure over 50 percent of the primary vote in May. The contest is seen as a proxy battle between Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who endorsed Dooley. Trump and Kemp have a history of conflict, particularly over Kemp's refusal to challenge the 2020 election results in Georgia.
Trump criticized Dooley, stating he did not know him but noted Dooley had lived outside Georgia for most of his life, did not vote in 2020 or 2016, and acknowledged Trump lost Georgia in 2020. Collins, a staunch Trump ally, is the author of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants convicted of certain crimes. Dooley's campaign focused on a "Georgia First" vision, contrasting with Trump's "America First" platform.
Georgia is considered a key pickup opportunity for Republicans, but Ossoff, a first-term senator, presents a formidable challenge with $32.5 million in his campaign bank account.