Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Mike Collins in the June 16 run-off for the Republican US Senate nomination in Georgia. Trump took to his Truth Social account on June 13 to declare, "Mike Collins is a true friend, fighter, and WARRIOR" [1]. The endorsement came after early voting had ended for the run-off [1, 2].
The run-off election pits Collins, a U.S. Representative and staunch MAGA supporter, against Derek Dooley, a former college football coach and political newcomer endorsed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp [1, 2]. Kemp generally supports Trump but has opposed some of Trump’s claims about the 2020 Georgia election [1, 2].
The two candidates advanced to the run-off after no contender earned a majority in the May 19 Republican primary. Collins received about 40% of the vote to Dooley’s roughly 30% in that primary [1].
Collins faces an ongoing ethics investigation over allegations that he paid a staffer who did not perform work, though he denies any wrongdoing [2].
The winner of the Republican run-off will challenge Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff in the November 2026 midterm election [1, 2]. The run-off’s result will shape the Republican field ahead of that crucial contest.
