Trump makes endorsement in Georgia Senate runoff: ‘True friend’

With the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff rapidly approaching, President Donald Trump has officially thrown his support behind U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. The endorsement sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown against former football coach Derek Dooley, as the two Republicans vie for the right to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the November midterm elections.

A Loyal Alliance vs. Newcomer Potential

Trump did not mince words when announcing his pick early Sunday via social media. He lauded Collins—a trucking company owner and second-term congressman—as a “true friend, fighter, and WARRIOR” who has been aligned with his vision since the inception of the movement. Collins has consistently run as a stalwart of the Make America Great Again base, highlighting his legislative record, including sponsoring the 2025 Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of immigrants charged with certain crimes.

On the other side of the ticket, political newcomer Derek Dooley is leaning on the backing of outgoing Governor Brian Kemp. Trump addressed Dooley’s candidacy with skepticism, noting that while he seems like a “nice person,” he remains largely unknown to the electorate and faced questions regarding his past voting record. Dooley, who has acknowledged a long gap in his voting history, maintains that he supported Trump in the 2024 election.

The Path to November

Although Collins led the pack in the May 19 primary, he failed to cross the 40% threshold, leaving the final outcome in the hands of undecided voters. The campaign has evolved into a philosophical debate over the best strategy to unseat Ossoff. Dooley and Governor Kemp argue that a fresh, outsider candidate provides the strongest chance for victory in a state that has not seen a Republican win a U.S. Senate seat since 2016.

Conversely, Collins rejects the idea that a political neophyte is necessary, asserting that his legislative track record is his greatest asset. “You don’t beat Jon Ossoff by having no record,” Collins stated. “You win by having a record of results.”

A Party in Transition

The endorsement highlights a broader tension within the Republican party. While Kemp continues to advocate for Dooley—echoing the strategy used to elect first-term senators like Montana’s Tim Sheehy and Ohio’s Bernie Moreno—Trump remains a dominant force in shaping party identity. Following a string of recent successes in primary battles, including victories against Republicans like U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, Trump’s endorsement is widely viewed as a major turning point in this Georgia runoff. Voters head to the polls this Tuesday to determine which direction the party will take.