Mike Collins Advances in Georgia Senate Primary
Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) secured a spot in the Republican Senate primary runoff set for June, following the results from Tuesday night.
No candidate obtained the necessary 50% of the votes in the Georgia primary, which means Collins will compete against the second-highest vote-getter in the runoff scheduled for June 16. The Associated Press reported the results around 9:43 p.m., with nearly 60% of the votes tallied.
At that point, Collins garnered 41.6% of the votes, while Derek Dooley followed with 28.5%, and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) received 25.8%. The second-place candidate will face Collins in the upcoming runoff.
Collins is a truck company owner and represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. His competitors include former football coach and attorney Derek Dooley and Buddy Carter, a pharmacist and a long-standing Republican official. The GOP is aiming to unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who has held the seat since being elected in 2021 and is considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats seeking reelection.
Leading up to the primary, polls generally indicated Collins was ahead of his rivals. As Election Day neared, Dooley took the lead over Carter, supported by an influx of funding for advertising from establishment backers.
According to the RealClear polling average, Collins poses the most significant threat to Ossoff in the general election, leading by 2.8 points.
Collins ran a grassroots campaign, visiting every one of Georgia’s 159 counties, a strategy he believes contributed to his success in the primary.
“Our mission is clear: we need to ensure a Republican holds that seat, someone who genuinely reflects the values of our state and its people,” Collins said to voters in Bainbridge, Ga., before the primary.
He emphasized the need for a strong Republican candidate to take on Ossoff. “Right now, with the primary approaching, it’s not just about having a Republican in that seat, but the right Republican who can win in Georgia,” he stated.
Meanwhile, although former President Donald Trump has expressed early support for Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones in the 2026 gubernatorial race, he has yet to endorse a Senate candidate. “There are some very good people running for office,” Trump mentioned on October 15.
He noted, “It’s crucial for Georgia to have a real senator because the one currently serving is not doing his job.” Trump criticized incumbent Senator Ossoff, calling him weak and incompetent, emphasizing the need for strong Republican leadership.
