Collins and Dooley Lock Senate Debate as Jackson Skips Governor Forum

Georgia Republicans will see Rep. Mike Collins and Derek Dooley debate this week after their May 19 primary advanced both to the June 16 U.S. Senate runoff. The Atlanta Press Club scheduled the event while the gubernatorial contest between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson remains unsettled over candidate participation.

Senate Candidates Finalize Debate Plans

The Atlanta Press Club set the Senate debate date following the May 19 primary results that eliminated other contenders and forced the Collins-Dooley matchup. Earlier debates hosted by the same group in April featured the full Senate field and gave voters direct comparisons on issues such as federal spending and border security.

Collins, a sitting congressman, and Dooley, a former University of Georgia football coach, now prepare for the May 31–June 1 forum (taped for broadcast June 1) that will precede the June 16 runoff. The structure mirrors the April sessions that drew live audiences and television coverage across the state.

Jackson Declines Solo Appearance for Jones

Rick Jackson turned down the Atlanta Press Club invitation for governor candidates, leaving Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to appear alone on Monday. The billionaire healthcare executive has relied on heavy television advertising funded by more than $30 million in personal spending since entering the race in February.

Jones, who secured the Trump endorsement three times during the campaign, will use the solo slot to address voters directly on state budget priorities and education policy. The absence highlights differing campaign styles between the self-funded late entrant and the sitting lieutenant governor who built support through traditional fundraising and endorsements.

Full Field Context and June Runoff Outlook

The governor primary winnowed a field that once included Attorney General Chris Carr, the top external fundraiser with roughly $4.9 million raised, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who added nearly $5 million in self-funding to his $864,000 in contributions. Neither advanced past the May 19 vote, leaving Jones and Jackson to contest the June 16 runoff.

The Senate and governor runoffs share the same June 16 date, concentrating voter attention in the final weeks. Primary voters who supported eliminated candidates now weigh whether to back Collins or Dooley in the Senate contest and Jones or Jackson for governor.

The Atlanta Press Club debate for Senate candidates proceeds as planned while the governor side adjusts to Jackson's decision. Both runoffs conclude on June 16.