Former Coach Derek Dooley Enters Georgia GOP Senate Primary

Derek Dooley, former University of Tennessee football coach and son of legendary coach Vince Dooley, has officially launched his 2026 Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, aiming to challenge incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff. Backed by Governor Brian Kemp, Dooley positions himself as a political outsider committed to supporting President Trump's agenda and bringing 'Georgia common sense' to Washington, focusing on issues like border security, inflation, and opposing 'woke' policies. Despite Kemp's endorsement, Dooley enters a competitive GOP primary that includes U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, with Trump yet to make an endorsement. Dooley emphasizes his lack of political experience as a strength, drawing parallels between football and politics, and pledges to fight for traditional values and economic priorities aligned with Trump’s leadership. His campaign messaging criticizes Ossoff as a career politician out of touch with Georgians and vows to prioritize Georgians' interests and conservative principles if elected. The race is seen as a key contest in the 2026 midterms, with Dooley seeking to unite the MAGA base and appeal to Republican voters through his outsider status and alignment with Trump.