Red State GOP Has Major Election Fears
Georgia Republicans are preparing for one of the biggest political battles of 2026 as they look to take down Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff. The race is shaping up to be a test of Republican unity — and of President Donald Trump’s unmatched influence.
Three Republicans Jump Into the Fight
The GOP field is already crowded:
- Derek Dooley, former University of Tennessee coach and son of Georgia legend Vince Dooley. Backed by Gov. Brian Kemp, he’s running as a political outsider.
- Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), who has loaned himself $2 million and is emphasizing his record as a fighter.
- Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), building a surprising statewide machine with grassroots support in all 159 counties.
Dooley has hit the trail hard, visiting more than a dozen counties since launching his bid. But within hours of entering the race, Carter and Collins went on the attack — a sign of just how high the stakes for Republicans really are.
The Trump Factor: Endorsement Up for Grabs
All three men are aggressively competing for one thing: President Trump’s endorsement.
- Carter’s team stresses that he has “stood with Trump from Day One.”
- Collins has spoken with Trump directly and is rapidly building statewide momentum.
- Dooley has also made his case to the White House, leaning on his outsider brand.
For Republicans, the big question is whether Trump and Gov. Kemp can avoid another public clash over candidates. Both sides know unity will be critical if they want to flip Ossoff’s seat and take back the Senate majority.
GOP Haunted by Painful 2020 Lessons
Conservatives in Georgia haven’t forgotten 2020, when messy primaries and weak nominees helped Democrats capture two Senate seats. Many fear history could repeat itself if Republicans don’t rally behind a single strong candidate.
“Every day that goes by is another day Ossoff raises money unchallenged,” warned conservative host Erick Erickson.
Money War Already Heating Up
Carter currently leads in campaign cash, but Collins has quickly built a serious ground game. Dooley is gaining attention with strong crowds and Kemp’s quiet support.
The next test will be fundraising numbers — a clear signal of who’s truly prepared to go head-to-head with Ossoff in November.
High Stakes for Trump, Kemp, and the GOP
Republicans know this race is about more than Georgia. It’s about stopping Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer’s radical agenda in Washington. With control of the Senate at stake, conservatives believe Georgia could decide the balance of power in 2026.
And in the end, Trump’s endorsement could make or break the race. Whoever earns it may very well be the candidate who sends Jon Ossoff packing.
👉 Bottom Line for Conservatives: Georgia Republicans must avoid a repeat of 2020. If the party rallies behind Trump’s choice, Jon Ossoff is in serious danger of being a one-term senator.
