Republican Rep. Mike Collins, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, has confirmed plans to launch a Senate campaign in Georgia, a key battleground state. This move is expected to take place early next week, according to sources close to the congressman. Collins, who represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, is targeting Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who is running for re-election in the state. The Republican Party views Ossoff as the most vulnerable Democratic Senator in the upcoming midterm elections, making this a high-stakes contest.
Collins, a businessman who founded a trucking company, has been steadily building his political profile by aligning with Trump’s agenda. He has been a vocal supporter of the former president since the 2016 election and has played a crucial role in Trump’s 2024 campaign. Collins has traveled to key early-voting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina to support Trump’s campaign and has opened multiple Trump campaign offices in Georgia. His efforts have solidified his position as a prominent figure within the Republican Party.
The Laken Riley Act, which Collins reintroduced this year, has also bolstered his political standing. The legislation, named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant, mandates the detention of undocumented individuals charged with burglary or theft. The bill was quickly passed by the Republican-controlled Congress and became the first law signed by Trump during his second term. This legislative success has further strengthened Collins’ ties with the White House and his potential as a Senate candidate.
Despite his growing political influence, Collins faces significant challenges. While recent polling suggests he has an edge over his GOP rivals for the Senate nomination, the race is expected to be competitive. Ossoff, a first-term senator, has raised over $10 million in the past three months and has a substantial amount of campaign funds on hand. Georgia Democrats are also preparing to oppose Collins, arguing that his legislative record, including Medicaid cuts, makes him an unappealing candidate.
The race for the Senate seat is shaping up to be a critical contest for the political landscape in Georgia. With the state’s Senate seat currently held by a Democrat, the outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. As Collins prepares to enter the race, the political dynamics in Georgia are set to intensify, with both parties mobilizing their resources to secure this key seat.
In the broader context of the 2026 midterm elections, this Senate bid is part of a larger effort by the Republican Party to regain control of the Senate and potentially influence future presidential elections. The potential impact of a Trump-aligned candidate like Collins could shape the political landscape for years to come. As the race unfolds, the focus will be on how both sides navigate the challenges of fundraising, voter mobilization, and political messaging in this highly contested race.