Georgia's Republican primary runoff voters chose US Representative Mike Collins over former college football coach Derek Dooley to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November's midterm elections. They also selected billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson over Trump-backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to face Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Collins vs. Ossoff
Ossoff, who has represented Georgia in the US Senate since 2021, has gained attention for his sharp criticisms of Donald Trump's administration. Collins, a trucking executive and former "freedom caucus" conservative endorsed by Trump, has served in the House since 2023. His father, Mac Collins, served in the House from 1993 to 2002.
Collins is an anti-abortion hardliner with a history of incendiary social media posts. He has vigorously denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election and defended the January 6 rioters.
Dooley, son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, earned a law degree from UGA before entering college coaching. He led the University of Tennessee to three consecutive losing seasons before being fired. Dooley is a close friend of outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, who endorsed him.
Jackson vs. Jones
The gubernatorial campaign was brutal by Republican primary standards. On the last day of the legislative session, Jones pushed a bill to bar anyone with healthcare contracts with the state from running for office, targeting Jackson, CEO of Jackson Healthcare. Jones accused Jackson of profiting from state contracts and recruiting for Planned Parenthood.
Last week, Jones's family gas company filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Jackson over ads and websites. Jackson also filed a defamation lawsuit against Jones in February. Additionally, Jackson challenged a state law allowing Jones to chair a leadership committee with unlimited fundraising; the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the committee likely illegal.
Jones, a stalwart conservative favored by Trump, helped lead Trump's 2024 campaign in Georgia. He was among the "fake electors" indicted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis but was dropped from the case after Willis hosted a fundraiser for his opponent.
Jackson, a political newcomer, poured at least $50 million of his own money into provocative advertising, sidelining Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both of whom endorsed him in the runoff.
Kemp endorsed Jones on Sunday, a last-minute move. Turnout was light, but over 300,000 voters had already cast ballots by Sunday. "I have always been the outsider in this race," Jackson said on X, replying to Kemp's endorsement. "I'll be President Trump's favorite governor."
