Donald Trump backs Mike Collins for Georgia Senate seat

President Donald Trump posted a late endorsement for Rep. Mike Collins on Truth Social, describing him as a “true friend, fighter, and warrior” and praising his loyalty to the Make America Great Again movement. The endorsement came just days before the Republican runoff on June 16, 2026, in which Collins, the 10th‑district congressman, faces former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, who is backed by Governor Brian Kemp. In the May 19 primary, Collins led with about 40 % of the vote while Dooley earned roughly 30 %. The runoff winner will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the November midterms, a contest seen as pivotal for maintaining the Republican‑held 53‑seat Senate majority. Trump also criticized Dooley for not voting in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, calling him “a nice person” but questioning his suitability. Collins has highlighted his record, including sponsorship of the 2025 Laken Riley Act on immigration enforcement, and argues that his alignment with Trump gives him the edge in a state Trump carried in 2024. The endorsement underscores Trump’s continued influence over Georgia’s GOP and could shape the balance of power in Congress.