Supporters gathering at a campaign rally for Mike Collins as he announces his Senate candidacy.
U.S. Representative Mike Collins has declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff. Emphasizing support for Trump policies, Collins joins a competitive Republican primary alongside other contenders. His campaign aims to resonate with conservative voters while addressing criticisms of Ossoff’s representation. The political landscape is shifting as the GOP eyes the Senate seat for the upcoming midterms, following changes in the Republican field.
Atlanta, GA – U.S. Representative Mike Collins has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming 2026 election, positioning himself as a key challenger to incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff. Collins, who currently represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, emphasized his support for former President Donald Trump’s policies as he launched his campaign, signaling a competitive Republican primary with several other candidates actively vying for the same position.
Collins, who has served in Congress since 2022, won his seat after a runoff election against a Trump-endorsed candidate. He is also the founder and CEO of a trucking company and is the son of former U.S. Representative Mac Collins, who served in Congress from 1993 to 2005. The Republican primary for the Senate race currently includes Collins, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. Reports indicate that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is backing Dooley, which could create additional competition among Republican contenders.
The announcement from Collins follows the withdrawal of Insurance Commissioner John King, who recently ended his Senate bid after discussions with Governor Kemp, shifting the dynamics within the Republican field. In his campaign launch video, Collins criticized incumbent Senator Ossoff, accusing him of not representing the interests of Georgia voters, and referred to Ossoff’s affiliations as being aligned with “California crazies and New York nut jobs.”
Collins has built a reputation for advocating more conservative policies and has frequently criticized the perceived threats from the “radical left.” One of his notable legislative achievements is the enactment of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of certain undocumented individuals charged with crimes, a measure that has garnered significant attention in immigration debates.
As Collins promotes his Senate candidacy, he has energetically utilized social media, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), to engage with supporters and disseminate his campaign messages. However, his online presence has also attracted controversy, receiving backlash over previous inflammatory comments, including those suggesting violence against immigrants and instances of racial mockery.
The Democratic Party of Georgia has swiftly condemned Collins’ candidacy, framing him as being out of touch with the needs and interests of Georgia voters. This pushback is part of the broader political landscape as the GOP eye the Georgia Senate seat as a target for the 2026 midterms, hoping to reclaim a seat in a state that Trump narrowly won in the last presidential election.
Collins seeks to establish himself as a relatable figure to conservative voters, drawing on his own background as a businessman in the trucking industry. He aims to rally support around the notion that reclaiming the Senate seat from Ossoff is crucial for the state of Georgia. His campaign messaging stresses a commitment to implementing Trump’s agenda, leveraging his history of campaigning for pro-Trump candidates across the nation.
As the Republican primary heats up, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential new candidates expected to enter the race. The dynamics within the GOP will likely evolve as Collins, Carter, Dooley, and any additional contenders position themselves to succeed in what is anticipated to be a competitive election cycle.
News Summary Augusta, Georgia, is emerging as a significant location for casting calls in film…
News Summary Augusta city officials are deliberating a proposed increase in trash collection fees from…
News Summary RISE Augusta is facing a critical shortage of tutors as students in kindergarten…
News Summary Augusta is set to hold a special election for the District 4 commissioner…
News Summary Augusta is set to celebrate the grand opening of the new US Foods…
News Summary US Foods is set to launch a new CHEF'STORE in Augusta, providing a…