Political Editor Savannah Witt
Published May 8, 2026
Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Derek Dooley at a Gainesville campaign event Friday, calling him "raised the right way" to take the U.S. Senate seat from Democrat Jon Ossoff. The rally at Sweet Magnolias drew North Georgia Republicans 11 days before the May 19 primary. Kemp's backing gives Dooley a boost in a field where recent polls show U.S. Rep. Mike Collins ahead at 33% to Dooley's 23%.AccessWDUN reports the event as part of Dooley's push to consolidate support.
Kemp's North Georgia Roadshow Locks In Dooley Alliance
Brian Kemp has campaigned with Derek Dooley across North Georgia this week on the 'Georgia First' tour. Friday's stop in Gainesville followed earlier events, signaling Kemp's choice in a crowded primary. Dooley, former Tennessee Volunteers head football coach, gains from Kemp's popularity in the region.AccessWDUN covered the tour's focus on local voters.
Kemp praised Dooley directly: he "represents Georgia values" and stands ready to reclaim the seat Ossoff holds. This endorsement carries weight after Kemp's 2022 reelection win by 7 points statewide. North Georgia counties like Hall, site of the rally, delivered Kemp strong margins last cycle. Dooley positions himself as Kemp's heir on issues like taxes and law enforcement.
Polls Favor Collins, But Dooley Closes Gap with Cash
A Quantus Insights poll from late April placed Mike Collins first at 33%, Dooley second at 23%. Earlier surveys kept Collins on top with Dooley trailing in second or third. The race stays fluid with low name recognition for some candidates.Fox5 Atlanta noted the shifts.
| Candidate | Quantus Poll (April/May 2026) |
|---|
| Mike Collins | 33% |
| Derek Dooley | 23% |
Dooley's fundraising keeps him viable. His campaign raised $3.67 million through March 31, 2026, with $2.22 million cash on hand. Most funds came from large donors, fueling ads and the tour.Ballotpedia tracks the totals from OpenSecrets data. Collins and others like U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter draw from congressional networks, but Dooley's war chest matches the leaders.
Primary Field Stays Crowded with Congressional Heavyweights
Dooley faces U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, plus John Coyne and Jonathan McColumn in the Republican primary.Wikipedia lists the full slate. Collins leverages his 10th District base in Athens and east Georgia. Carter holds the 1st District on the coast. Neither has Kemp's statewide pull.
- Mike Collins: Leads polls at 33%, strong in rural areas.
- Derek Dooley: 23%, boosted by Kemp events and football fame.
- Buddy Carter: Congressional veteran, coastal support.
- John Coyne: Business background, lower profile.
- Jonathan McColumn: Challenger with limited polling.
Kemp's absence of support for Collins or Carter tilts the field. Dooley's coach profile appeals to sports fans; he coached Tennessee from 2010 to 2012 before law and business roles. The May 19 vote tests if Kemp sways enough independents and moderates.
Kemp Ties Senate Race to State Fights on Taxes, Crime
At the rally, Kemp highlighted state issues to frame the Senate contest. Georgia's gas tax suspension expires May 19, the same day as the primary. Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch was arrested for DUI on February 27, 2026, leading to a 60-day suspension by Governor Kemp. He was arrested again on May 4, 2026, in Dawson County for violating his limited driving permit. Kemp touted Medicaid funding boosts amid budget debates.AccessWDUN quoted his remarks.
These local angles energize the crowd. Gas tax relief saved drivers 30 cents per gallon since 2022; its end hits pumps immediately post-primary. Kemp links Dooley to his record: fiscal restraint, public safety, health expansions without full Medicaid. Dooley echoes the pitch, promising D.C. fights mirroring Atlanta wins.
Republicans aim to flip Ossoff's seat in November. Kemp's tour reminds voters of 2022 gains: GOP held the governorship and lieutenant governorship despite Ossoff's hold. Dooley's path runs through Kemp country first.
Primary Ballots Drop May 19
Voters hit polls May 19. Early voting ends May 16. Dooley needs a poll surge from Kemp's push to overtake Collins. The winner faces Ossoff, who starts with incumbency edge but Georgia's swing-state tilt.
