Overview

• Derek Dooley formally entered the Republican primary on August 4 to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s 2026 race.
• Gov. Brian Kemp declined to run himself and has assigned two top political advisers to manage Dooley’s campaign.
• In his first bid for public office, Dooley pledged to work closely with President Trump to advance his policy agenda.
• Dooley joins U.S. Representatives Mike Collins and Buddy Carter in a crowded field vying for the nomination.
• Reports of frustration among Trump advisers over Kemp’s independent endorsement have been denied by the governor’s team.