Although not on the ballot, former President Donald Trump’s significant influence over the Republican Party is being put to the test with crucial runoff elections happening in Georgia and Alabama today.
Candidates aligned with Trump are engaged in intense contests for gubernatorial and Senate nominations in Georgia, a pivotal battleground state, as well as in solidly Republican Alabama.
Along with the races in Georgia and Alabama, other primaries are taking place in Oklahoma and the District of Columbia. Additionally, voters in California’s 14th Congressional District are participating in a special election aimed at narrowing down a crowded field, hoping to fill the seat left by the resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid a scandal.
Most eyes are on Georgia, where Trump held an extensive 11-hour endorsement campaign for the state’s U.S. Senate seat just last weekend. This election is seen as vital for determining whether Republicans can keep their slim majority in the House during the midterm elections.
Trump is backing former college football coach Derek Dooley, who recently endorsed Rep. Mike Collins, a strong advocate of Trump’s agenda, and enjoys the support of the state’s well-liked conservative Governor Brian Kemp.
“It’s an honor to receive that kind of endorsement,” Collins expressed to Fox News Digital shortly after being endorsed. “It demonstrates Trump’s confidence in our ability to win this race.” When asked if he thought Trump’s endorsement was issued too late, Collins said he believed Trump’s timing could still make a significant impact.
In response to a question about the endorsement, Dooley maintained that it doesn’t sway his campaign. He expressed gratitude for having Kemp’s support while emphasizing his focus on the people of Georgia.
Collins, representing Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, is the son of the late Congressman Mac Collins. He also co-owns a trucking company with his wife. Meanwhile, Dooley, an attorney and the son of legendary coach Vince Dooley, has strong backing from Kemp, who frequently appears with him on the campaign trail.
Both Collins and Dooley placed in the top two spots of a crowded primary last month, which also had Rep. Buddy Carter among the candidates. As nobody achieved over 50% of the vote, they are now competing in the runoff.
The eventual Republican nominee will take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, whom Republicans view as vulnerable. Over the past year, while Republicans have been vying for the nomination, Ossoff has been steadily increasing his funds for the upcoming general election.
In Georgia’s gubernatorial runoffs, Trump’s influence is again tested as he previously supported Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones for the position of Governor, aiming to replace Kemp, who is term-limited. Jones is up against Rick Jackson, a businessman who has invested significantly in his campaign.
The winner of this runoff will go on to face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was the top vote-getter in last month’s Democratic primary, avoiding a runoff herself.
Jones and Jackson were the top contenders in last month’s Republican primary, which included several other candidates. With no one crossing the 50% mark in votes, they advanced to today’s runoff.
Jones mentioned the importance of Trump’s support in their race, noting a recent call from the president. Kemp recently endorsed Jones, emphasizing the necessity of winning in November. “If we don’t win, the consequences could be detrimental,” Kemp warned.
Jones has a varied background that includes being a former captain of the University of Georgia football team, an oil executive, and a previous state senator. Jackson, who initially was less known, has gained a reputation through substantial advertising that shares his compelling personal story and entrepreneurial success.
Additionally, Jackson has presented himself as an outsider, paralleling Trump’s approach. “I think people are ready for outsiders,” he stated, suggesting that this is what the voters are seeking.
In Alabama, Trump is backing Rep. Barry Moore as he runs against former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson in a Senate runoff to fill the seat of Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is moving to run for governor instead of seeking re-election.
Moore previously gained attention for being one of Trump’s earliest endorsers during his 2016 campaign. He’s being supported by various influential Republican figures from the state.
Hudson, who positioned himself as an outsider, narrowly beat out the state Attorney General in prior elections. Also a military vet, Hudson has held various roles, including as a business owner and nonprofit chair.
In November’s upcoming Democratic runoff, either Moore or Hudson is expected to be in a strong position against the winner between small business owner Dakarai Larriet and former judge Everett Wess.
In Oklahoma, Trump has expressed support for former state senator Mike Mazzei in his bid for governor. The president is also backing Jackson Rahmeyer in the GOP primary for a Congressional seat.
In deep-blue Washington, D.C., the Democratic primary to succeed outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser is anticipated to be a significant deciding factor for her successor.
Trump’s backing of candidates has been notably impactful throughout recent primaries, with some of his endorsed candidates unseating incumbents in several states, drawing wide attention.
However, challenges still remain, as demonstrated by some recent election outcomes that haven’t always favored his endorsements.
Trump’s ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, successfully avoided a runoff during the Republican Senate primary, indicating a mixed bag for Trump-backed candidates in other races across the country.
