Brian Kemp endorses Derek Dooley for 2026 Senate seat in Georgia

In the context of Georgia's upcoming 2026 United States Senate election, Governor Brian Kemp has officially come out in support of former football coach Derek Dooley as the Republican candidate. The endorsement was made on August 30, 2025, coinciding with the kickoff of the Georgia Bulldogs' football season, setting the stage for Dooley's political debut. Kemp highlighted Dooley's status as a political outsider without congressional experience, arguing this aspect makes him well-suited to critique the incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff's record. By supporting Dooley, Kemp aims to rally the Republican base in Georgia, positioning Dooley as a strong candidate who can shift the general election dynamics in favor of the GOP. Despite criticism over Dooley's previous lack of political participation and a mixed coaching record, Kemp emphasized the necessity for new leadership to attract voters who feel disconnected from current political representation. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Georgia GOP to unseat Ossoff, who they deem vulnerable based on his previous records, marking the beginning of a competitive primary season that could influence party unity leading up to the election. Furthermore, Republican opposition candidates like Mike Collins have voiced concerns, arguing about the potential repercussions of nominating a candidate unfamiliar with the political landscape of Georgia. The endorsement has sparked discussion around voter response to candidates without a traditional political background, inviting reflections on past elections where outsider candidates have faced scrutiny. With the GOP field already crowded, Dooley's entry backed by Kemp adds significant momentum to his campaign.