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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Georgia Republicans scramble to pick candidate to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff

Dooley is running as a political outsider with Kemp’s backing.

Georgia Republicans scramble to pick candidate to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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May 18, 2026
tl;dr

Three Republicans are competing for the chance to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp backing newcomer Derek Dooley and Rep. Mike Collins and Rep. Buddy Carter also seeking the nomination. The article describes concerns about the candidates’ electability and the possibility of a runoff.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Derek Dooley R · GA
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Dooley in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Dooley’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Republican Senate candidate in Georgia

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Mike Collins
R · GA-10

Republican Senate primary candidate in Georgia

Collins's version of this story ↗
Buddy Carter
R · GA-1

Republican Senate primary candidate in Georgia

Carter's version of this story ↗
Jon Ossoff
D · GA · SEN

Democratic senator seeking reelection and the prospective Republican nominee’s opponent

Raphael G. Warnock
D · GA · SEN

Georgia senator mentioned in reference to recent Senate contests

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose support is sought by Republican candidates

ALSO MENTIONED  Brian Kemp, Georgia governor who recruited and supports Dooley; Gary Waldrep, Local party committee chairman who questioned Collins about appealing to moderate voters

Part of a bigger story

14 OUTLETS
Republicans Compete for Georgia Senate Nomination to Challenge Jon Ossoff

Georgia Republicans are competing for their party’s Senate nomination to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, with Gov. Brian Kemp backing Derek Dooley. Center outlets mostly describe a crowded primary, with varying emphasis on candidates’ electability, Kemp’s influence, a possible runoff and the race’s broader Senate stakes.

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