Derek Dooley Enters Contested Georgia Senate Republican Primary

Former football coach Derek Dooley on Monday entered Georgia’s contested 2026 Republican primary to unseat Democratic Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Dooley, a political newcomer backed by Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, is vying for the Republican nomination in one of the most consequential races in the midterms. Dooley emphasized his experience coaching collegiate and professional football as well as his status as a political outsider in a two-minute campaign announcement video titled “Georgia First.”

“We need new leadership in Georgia,” Dooley said in the video, which also highlights his support for President Donald Trump’s agenda. “I’m going to work with President Trump, fight for you and always put Georgia first.”

“ want somebody who’s going to mean what they say, say what they mean and then go deliver results,” he added, appearing to compare himself to Trump.

“Professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem. Lawlessness, open season on the border, inflation everywhere, woke stuff — that’s what they represent,” Dooley stated further.

Republicans view Georgia as one of their party’s best pickup opportunities to expand its 53-seat majority during the midterms. Though Ossoff is seen as the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent running for reelection, his campaign is building a significant war chest — with roughly $15.5 million in the bank — and could benefit from a contested Republican primary.

Kemp reportedly chose to get behind Dooley after passing