Overview

• Derek Dooley officially launched his Republican Senate campaign on August 4, highlighting his outsider status, football coaching background and family legacy tied to Vince Dooley.
• Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Dooley after passing on a run himself and prompted Insurance Commissioner John King to drop out of the primary.
• Dooley joins a crowded field that includes U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and activist Reagan Box in the May 2026 GOP contest.
• President Trump has not yet endorsed any candidate in Georgia’s primary, exposing divisions between his allies and Kemp’s team over a preferred nominee.
• Republicans view Ossoff’s seat as their top pickup opportunity in 2026 and are determined to avoid the nomination mistakes that cost them in 2022.