Derek Dooley Announces Candidacy for Georgia Senate

Former football coach Derek Dooley has officially entered the race for Georgia’s Senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections. Highlighting his outsider status, Dooley aims to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. In his campaign announcement, Dooley emphasized his support for President Donald Trump and criticized Ossoff for prioritizing political interests over Georgia values. He stated, “Our state needs new leadership in Washington D.C., and professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem.” Dooley’s campaign focuses on aligning with Trump’s agenda and addressing issues such as border security and economic policies.

Republican Support and Strategic Alliances

Dooley’s entry into the race is significant for Republicans seeking to expand their Senate majority. The GOP views Ossoff as a vulnerable candidate in a battleground state that narrowly favored Trump in the last presidential election. Dooley, son of the late Vince Dooley, a legendary University of Georgia football coach, has never run for public office before. However, he is expected to receive strong backing from Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Kemp, who decided against running for the Senate himself, has pledged his support for Dooley.

Tensions Within the GOP

Despite Kemp’s endorsement, there are tensions within Trump’s political circle regarding Dooley’s candidacy. Sources indicate that while there was an agreement between Kemp and Trump’s teams to find a unified candidate against Ossoff, Trump’s advisers were not ready to endorse Dooley when Kemp moved forward with him. This decision reportedly frustrated Trump’s team, who felt sidelined by Kemp’s actions.

The Republican Field Grows

Dooley joins a growing field of Republican candidates in Georgia’s Senate race. Other contenders include Rep. Mike Collins and Rep. Buddy Carter, both of whom have expressed their support for Trump. As the race unfolds, Dooley aims to distinguish himself by emphasizing his non-establishment background and commitment to conservative values.