Overview

• Former University of Tennessee coach Derek Dooley officially entered the 2026 Republican primary on August 4, joining U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins in the race to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff.
• Gov. Brian Kemp’s endorsement of Dooley on July 24 prompted the exit of insurance commissioner John King and gave the newcomer an early organizational edge.
• President Trump has not declared his preference, leaving his endorsement a pivotal prize for candidates seeking to unify Georgia’s Republican base.
• In his launch video, Dooley emphasized his football pedigree and outsider status while pledging to focus on border security, reducing government spending and restricting transgender women’s participation in women’s sports.
• Republicans view Ossoff’s seat in Georgia as vital to regaining Senate control and are intent on avoiding the party’s 2022 missteps following Herschel Walker’s defeat.