Derek Dooley Enters Georgia Senate Race, Pledging to Champion Trump’s Agenda
In his campaign launch video, Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley, declared, “Professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem,” accusing the senator of opposing Trump’s agenda and aligning with radical policies that don’t reflect Georgia’s priorities.
Former college football coach Derek Dooley launched his bid for the U.S. Senate in Georgia on August 4, 2025, positioning himself as a fresh, outsider voice ready to take on Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff in the 2026 midterms. With a platform rooted in Georgia values and unwavering support for President Donald Trump, Dooley aims to help Republicans expand their 53-47 Senate majority in a critical battleground state.
In his campaign launch video, Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley, declared, “Professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem,” accusing the senator of opposing Trump’s agenda and aligning with radical policies that don’t reflect Georgia’s priorities. He vowed to work hand-in-hand with Trump to secure borders, protect taxpayers, and uphold traditional values, emphasizing, “I’ll bring good, old-fashioned Georgia common sense to Washington.”
Dooley’s entry intensifies a crowded GOP primary, joining Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, both Trump allies vying for the nomination. Unlike his rivals, Dooley touts his lack of political baggage, stating, “I’m not part of the D.C. establishment, and I haven’t spent my life climbing the political ladder.” His campaign has secured the backing of Gov. Brian Kemp, a powerful ally whose political machine, led by strategists Cody Hall and Chelsey Ruppersburg, bolsters Dooley’s bid.
A Georgia native and attorney before his coaching career at Louisiana Tech, Tennessee, and NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Dooley brings a disciplined, team-oriented approach to politics. His campaign launch leveraged his father’s legacy, opening with vintage UGA footage to connect with voters who value tradition and strength. Despite critics questioning his prior Trump support, Dooley’s alignment with the president’s border security and economic policies positions him as a contender for Trump’s coveted endorsement.
The Senate race is pivotal, with Ossoff seen as the most vulnerable Democrat due to Georgia’s recent Republican tilt, where Trump won by 2 points in 2024. Dooley’s focus on stopping open borders, cutting taxes, and rejecting woke policies resonates with Georgians eager for change. This race, backed by recent GOP victories like defunding biased public media and cleaning voter rolls, could solidify Republican control, ensuring a Senate that advances Trump’s America-first vision.
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