Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Endorses Derek Dooley in Senate Bid Against Jon Ossoff
On Saturday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp officially endorsed former football coach Derek Dooley to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the 2026 U.S. Senate race. The endorsement took place at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, an hour before the Georgia Bulldogs kicked off their first game of the season. Kemp, a two-term governor and prominent Republican, framed Dooley as the best opportunity to flip Ossoff’s Senate seat, arguing that the candidate’s background and values align with Georgia’s priorities.
Kemp’s endorsement is a significant move in a race that has already seen multiple Republican candidates enter the fray, including former Trump ally Mike Collins. The governor emphasized that Dooley’s leadership and conservative principles would be crucial in winning over voters, particularly in a state that has seen shifting political dynamics in recent years.
Dooley, a former University of Tennessee coach and NFL player, has a rich background in college football, having played for the University of Virginia and later coaching at the University of Georgia. His career includes nearly two decades in college football and a decade in the NFL. Despite the criticism from Democratic operatives, Dooley defended his qualifications, stating that leadership and unity, not political affiliation or income level, define effective governance.
Following Dooley’s campaign launch, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) issued a statement questioning his credentials, particularly his past support for Medicaid cuts. DSCC spokesperson Maeve Coyle criticized Dooley’s coaching career and highlighted potential missteps, suggesting that the GOP primary is a proxy war between Trump and Kemp. However, Dooley dismissed these claims, asserting that his experience in uniting teams and leading under pressure would translate to effective political leadership.
The race for Georgia’s Senate seat is expected to be highly competitive, with both parties mobilizing resources to secure key endorsements and voter support. As the 2026 midterms approach, the political landscape in Georgia continues to shift, making this race a crucial battleground for national politics.
Kemp’s Office Did Not Immediately Respond to Requests for Comment