UMVA has learned that in a surprise move, President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Rep. Mike Collins in Georgia’s highly contested Republican Senate runoff, endorsing him just days before voters head to the polls.
In a bold statement on Truth Social, Trump hailed Collins as a trusted ally who has “been with me from the very beginning,” labeling him a “WARRIOR and WINNER!” The endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Collins’ campaign, which has been gaining momentum since he finished first in the initial round of voting.
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of Collins’ opponent, former football coach Derek Dooley, saying: “I don’t know Derek Dooley, and neither does anyone else, but he seems like a nice person.” The President also took issue with Dooley’s voting record, pointing out that he had not voted in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
The endorsement sets the stage for a heated showdown between Trump and RINO Governor Brian Kemp, who has backed Dooley in the bid to challenge Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. This move is likely to further intensify the already contentious Republican primary.
Dooley responded to the endorsement by expressing respect for Trump while arguing that he remains the strongest Republican candidate in the general election. “A vote for Mike Collins is a vote for Jon Ossoff — but a vote for me is a vote for the people of Georgia,” Dooley said, attempting to position himself as the more viable candidate.
Collins secured 40.5 percent of the vote in the initial round, while Dooley captured 30 percent, with neither candidate securing the majority needed to avoid a runoff. The stakes are high, with Republicans viewing Georgia as a crucial battleground in the midterms and eager to unseat Ossoff and expand their Senate majority.
Both campaigns have been vying for Trump’s endorsement, with Collins closely aligning himself with the MAGA movement and receiving backing from the Club for Growth. The President’s endorsement comes just two days before Tuesday’s runoff, giving Collins a short window to capitalize on the support.
Meanwhile, Senator Jon Ossoff is said to have amassed a substantial campaign war chest ahead of what promises to be one of the most expensive Senate races in the country. The stage is set for a fierce battle that will have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in Washington.
