Kemp Boosts Dooley with 61% Approval in GOP Senate Primary

Gov. Brian Kemp, holding a 61% approval rating, hit the campaign trail Monday for Derek Dooley in Georgia's U.S. Senate Republican primary. The tour stop at Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q in Canton drew crowds for Dooley's "Georgia First Tour," positioning the outsider candidate to challenge front-runners. With the May 19 primary five weeks away, Kemp's move hands Dooley a lifeline against Reps. Mike Collins and Earl "Buddy" Carter, who lead in polls and cash.

Kemp Bets on Dooley's Outsider Appeal

Kemp called Dooley the Republican best equipped to beat Sen. Jon Ossoff, pointing to recent GOP successes with non-politicians. He name-checked Sens. Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, Bernie Moreno in Ohio, and Tim Sheehy in Montana as proof outsiders can flip seats. "Derek Dooley is that kind of fighter," Kemp said at the Canton event, according to event coverage.

Dooley, son of University of Georgia coaching legend Vince Dooley and former Tennessee football coach, launched his bid in August 2025 right after Kemp passed on the race. The campaign's "Georgia First" pitch casts him as a unifier free from Washington baggage, a message tailored to rally undecided voters who make up 40% of the primary field in the latest survey.

Polls Show Collins Ahead, Dooley Lagging

An Emerson College poll from late February puts Rep. Mike Collins at 30% in the GOP primary, Rep. Buddy Carter at 16%, and Dooley at 10%. The remaining 40% remain undecided, leaving room for Kemp's endorsement to shift momentum as early voting begins April 27.

General election matchups favor Ossoff slightly across the board. He leads Dooley 49%-41%, Collins 48%-43%, and Carter 47%-44%. The race shifted to "Lean Democratic" in the Cook Political Report's April 14 update, down from Toss-up status, signaling Ossoff's edge but a winnable fight for a consolidated GOP nominee.

Minor candidates John Coyne and Jonathan McColumn trail far behind, per Ballotpedia's rundown.

Money Edge Goes to Carter, Ossoff Dominates

FEC filings through March 31 reveal Carter's financial lead among Republicans, with $6.71 million raised and $3.73 million cash on hand. Collins follows at $4.32 million raised and $2.13 million available. Dooley trails with $3.67 million raised but holds $2.22 million, enough for a late surge if Kemp's tour mobilizes donors.

Democrat Jon Ossoff dwarfs the field, raising $78 million with $31.7 million in reserves. Ossoff faces no primary foe, clearing his path to November. Dooley's team argues his outsider status and Kemp alliance can peel off independents and moderate Republicans, much like the Senate wins Kemp touted.

Kemp's 61% approval at year's end, tracked by Morning Consult, gives his pitch weight in a state where he won re-election handily. No Donald Trump endorsement has emerged for any candidate as of April 2026, leaving the lane open for Kemp to define the race.

Primary Consolidation Decides Ossoff's Fate

Dooley's campaign site hammers the "Georgia First" theme, promising to prioritize state jobs, security, and economy over D.C. gridlock. The platform page sells him as the non-career politician to consolidate the GOP and pressure Ossoff.

Collins, known for hardline stances on immigration and election integrity, appeals to the base. Carter leans on coastal district strength and committee clout. Kemp's push elevates Dooley as the unity pick, potentially splitting the anti-establishment vote if it fails.

Early voting starts April 27. The May 19 primary winner faces Ossoff in a race where turnout and consolidation will determine control of the seat.