Rep. Mike Collins Joins Georgia Senate Race
On Monday, Rep. Mike Collins (R) announced his entry into the Georgia Senate race, stirring things up after having teased about a challenge to Senator John Ossoff (D) just a week earlier.
Collins has rolled out advertisements that highlight his support for President Trump, emphasizing his efforts on major policies, particularly the Laken Riley Act. This legislation enables federal officials to detain certain undocumented immigrants charged with specific crimes like theft or robbery.
In his ads, there are recorded praises for Collins, with one saying, “Mike Collins. Mike, you were great. He really valued this condition and took it to heart.”
Collins commented on Ossoff’s effectiveness, stating, “I don’t know if John Ossoff really delivers, but he’s certainly not in touch with Georgia.” In an approximately one-minute video, he declared, “It’s time to send truck drivers to the US Senate, combat the radical left, support President Trump’s agenda, and put Georgia back in the driver’s seat.” It’s worth noting that Collins’ family has a background in transportation.
Collins is the son of the late Rep. Mac Collins (R-Ga.), who had aimed for a Senate seat in 2004 but lost to former Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).
Looking ahead, Georgia is seen as a prime target for Republicans in the 2026 Senate race. Various candidates are already in the mix, vying to take on Ossoff in his bid for a full term. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) is also in the running, alongside Derek Dooley, a previous University of Tennessee football coach. Insurance Commissioner John King initially entered the race but later withdrew.
Furthermore, influential figures like Governor Brian Kemp (R), who declined to run himself, are backing Dooley. This has, according to reports from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, set up a potential conflict of preferences between Kemp and Trump, teasing out who the president might endorse.
As the GOP primary heats up, Ossoff is bolstering his campaign, having raised significant funds in recent quarters.
The Senate Democrats wasted no time in criticizing Collins following his announcement. Maeve Coyle, a spokesperson for the Senate Democrats’ campaign division, claimed, “Mike Collins is an extremist who will face tough questions from up to 750,000 Georgians regarding his votes to strip healthcare.” She further asserted, “Collins is already embroiled in a contentious primary that could tarnish his candidacy, while Senator Ossoff is focused on strengthening his campaign to retain his seat in 2026.”
