Mike Collins Counters Jon Ossoff Attacks in Georgia Senate Race

Rep. Mike Collins won the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in Georgia on June 16, 2026, defeating Derek Dooley and advancing to face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. The race ranks among the most competitive Senate contests, rated a toss-up or lean Democratic by the Cook Political Report. Collins delivered his response in a June 28 CNN interview after Ossoff opened the general election with sharp attacks at a Savannah rally.

Collins Wins Runoff With Trump Backing

Collins secured the nomination after President Trump issued a last-minute endorsement in the runoff. He defeated former University of Georgia football coach Derek Dooley to claim the Republican slot. The victory positions Collins to challenge Ossoff, who has held the seat since 2021.

The primary field narrowed quickly once Trump weighed in. Collins moved from the House to pursue the Senate seat left open by retiring Republicans in other cycles. His win sets up a direct clash with Ossoff in a state that has split its Senate representation between parties.

Ossoff Opens With Direct Assault on Collins Record

Ossoff held his first general election rally in Savannah around June 27-28. He criticized Collins on healthcare costs, past scandals, and extremism. Ossoff labeled Collins a bigot, an election denier, and a person of low integrity and poor character, according to the Ossoff campaign site.

The attacks focused on Collins voting record and statements during his time in Congress. Ossoff framed the contest as a choice between results and rhetoric. The Savannah event marked the start of Ossoff's offensive strategy in a race viewed as winnable for either side.

Collins Labels Ossoff a Liar in CNN Response

Collins answered Ossoff during a June 28 CNN interview with Manu Raju. He called Ossoff a liar who knows he is losing. Collins described the race as a contest of records and results rather than personal insults. He labeled Ossoff weak and woke.

Collins emphasized his own legislative work and contrasted it with Ossoff's tenure. The exchange shows both campaigns moving quickly to define the opponent. Collins avoided detailed rebuttals on specific scandals and instead attacked Ossoff's character and performance.

November Contest Looms as Toss-Up

Both sides now have clear lines of attack for the fall campaign. Collins will highlight his primary victory and Trump support. Ossoff will continue pressing on healthcare and integrity themes. The next major deadline is the November general election, when voters decide the seat.

Early spending and messaging will test which narrative sticks in a state that delivered narrow margins in recent federal races. Collins and Ossoff each enter the general with established bases from their primary and reelection efforts.