Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia is heading to a runoff election against former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. This development follows a primary election where neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote, necessitating another contest for the GOP U.S. Senate candidacy.
A recent snap poll by Quantus Insights reveals that Collins is in the lead with a double-digit advantage over Dooley. According to Corbin Keown, spokesperson for Collins’ campaign, “Despite being outspent 15-to-1 in advertising, Mike Collins achieved 40% of the vote in a five-way primary because Georgians value hard work, authenticity, and a proven record.” Newsweek attempted to reach Dooley’s campaign for comments on the poll.
Election Details
Based on the Associated Press data, Collins secured 40.5% of the votes in the primary, while Dooley garnered 30.2%, and Earl L. Carter received 25.1%. The winner between Collins or Dooley will challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November.
The Quantus Insights poll, conducted with 782 likely Republican voters, shows Collins with 53.5% and Dooley with 37.2%. The sample size was effectively 739 voters, with a margin of error of 3.9%.
Following the primary, Collins expressed gratitude and emphasized his commitment to the America First agenda in Congress. Dooley highlighted his outsider status and intent to challenge Ossoff’s record, stating he wants to prioritize Georgia’s residents in the Senate.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp supports Dooley, having chosen not to run for the Senate seat himself. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has yet to endorse anyone in this race.
“Today is a reminder of just how weak this Republican field is,” said Lauren French of Senate Majority PAC. “Georgia voters have heard from these candidates for months, and yet, no one stands out. We predict more in-fighting ahead, but voters deserve better.”
Poll Projections
An Echelon Insights poll from early April showed Collins with 44% against Ossoff’s 51%. This survey involved 407 likely voters, with a margin of error of 6.5%.
In March, an Emerson College poll presented Ossoff leading with 49% against Dooley’s 41%, leaving 10% undecided. Comparatively, the same poll shows Ossoff at 48% and Collins at 43%, with 9% undecided. This poll surveyed 1,000 likely voters, carrying a 3% margin of error.
The runoff is scheduled for June 16, deciding which Republican will face Senator Ossoff come November.