Georgia 2026 primary results: Collins and Dooley head to runoff to face Democratic Sen. Ossoff
Georgia 2026 Primary Results: Collins and Dooley Advance to Senate Runoff
Georgia 2026 primary results – Following the Georgia 2026 primary elections, Rep. Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley have secured their places in the Senate runoff, according to ABC News projections. This development marks a critical moment for the Republican Party, which views the race as a potential opportunity to expand its influence in the U.S. Senate. The winner of this contest will face Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, a rising figure within the Democratic establishment who has been targeted by Republicans as a candidate in need of re-election.
Republican Senate Primary: A Three-Way Battle
The GOP Senate primary was contested among three major figures: Collins, the incumbent representative; Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley; and Rep. Buddy Carter. While the race initially appeared to be a three-way showdown, Collins and Dooley emerged as the top contenders, with Carter finishing in third place. The contest underscored the GOP’s strategy to consolidate support in a state where Senate control is pivotal for maintaining congressional majorities.
“The Senate race is a defining test for the party’s ability to unify and compete in a closely divided state,” said a GOP strategist, reflecting on the significance of the primary.
Despite the high stakes, former President Donald Trump did not make an endorsement in this race, leaving the field open to other Republican figures. The lack of a Trump endorsement may have influenced voter behavior, particularly among moderate Republicans who prioritized policy positions over party loyalty. The final results, however, suggest that the race was ultimately decided by the candidates’ ability to resonate with Georgia’s electorate.
Democratic Senate Candidate: A Vulnerable Target
Democrats have identified Jon Ossoff as a key challenger, viewing him as a promising leader within their ranks. Conversely, Republicans see him as the most vulnerable sitting senator, given the state’s shifting political landscape and his limited electoral experience compared to his opponents. The runoff, which will take place in early June, will determine whether the Senate seat remains in Democratic hands or transitions to the GOP.
Republican Governor Primary: A Battle of Wealth and Wishes
In the gubernatorial race, the Republican primary saw a fierce competition between Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire businessman Rick Jackson. ABC News projected both candidates to advance to the June 16 runoff, signaling a closely contested race that has drawn national attention. Jones, a longtime Trump loyalist, leveraged his family’s business empire to fund a robust advertising campaign, while Jackson used his personal fortune to finance aggressive attack ads against his rival.
The primary for governor was among the most expensive in the nation’s history, with over $100 million spent on campaign ads. AdImpact data noted that this race ranks third in the list of costly gubernatorial primaries on record, highlighting the intensity of the contest. The high spending reflects the strategic importance of the governor’s office in Georgia, where Republican leadership aims to solidify control and shape policy priorities.
Trump’s Influence in the Gubernatorial Race
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Jones played a significant role in the race, though it was not enough to secure a decisive victory. Jones hosted a tele-rally earlier this month to bolster his campaign, but the financial resources of Rick Jackson, who has invested more than $80 million of his own money, proved to be a formidable counterbalance. Jackson’s campaign emphasized his rags-to-riches narrative, portraying him as a candidate who overcame adversity to build a successful career, while Jones was repeatedly subjected to attacks that questioned his leadership qualifications.
Jones, who inherited a substantial business empire from his father, spent tens of millions on television and digital ads, leveraging his wealth to dominate the state’s airwaves. Jackson, on the other hand, used his personal story to connect with voters, particularly younger demographics who value authenticity and social mobility. The race has become a barometer for Trump’s continued influence in Georgia, even as his support faces challenges from within the GOP.
Democratic Governor Primary: A Strong Showing for Bottoms
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was projected to win the gubernatorial nomination without needing a runoff. Her campaign, which benefited from high name recognition and endorsements from prominent figures, positioned her as a strong contender for the governor’s office. Bottoms, who previously served as Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Joe Biden, received his backing as her first endorsement in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Bottoms’ campaign highlighted her experience in urban governance and her alignment with Democratic priorities, including healthcare and education reform. However, she faces an uphill battle to unseat the Republican governor, as a Democrat has not won the state’s top executive position since 1998. The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which narrowed the Voting Rights Act and allowed for new redistricting efforts, has amplified the stakes of the governor race, particularly for Democratic voters.
Other Races and Key Candidates
Beyond the Senate and gubernatorial contests, several other positions were on the ballot, including Secretary of State and Attorney General. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both Republicans, did not advance to the runoff, despite their national visibility. Raffensperger, who gained attention for disputing Trump’s 2020 election claims, will now seek a different path in future elections.
On the Democratic side, candidates like former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan also participated, though they failed to secure the nomination. Thurmond’s campaign focused on economic reform, while Duncan aimed to appeal to voters by emphasizing his experience in state government. The Democratic primary demonstrated the party’s enthusiasm for change, driven by dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies and the impact of the war in Iran on the state’s economy.
The Path Ahead for Georgia Voters
As the runoff elections approach, Georgia voters will have the opportunity to choose between two distinct visions for the state’s future. The Senate race, in particular, is expected to draw national interest, given the potential to shift Senate control. Similarly, the gubernatorial contest will be closely watched for its implications on state policy and the broader political landscape. With the stakes high and the campaigns intense, the outcomes will likely shape the direction of Georgia politics for years to come.
For the Senate race, the final tally will determine whether the GOP can reclaim a seat in the Senate, a goal that aligns with their strategy to maintain dominance in the upper chamber. In the governor’s race, the runoff will test the resilience of Democratic candidates and the effectiveness of Republican strategies in a state with a historically conservative electorate. These contests not only reflect the current political climate but also serve as indicators of the growing influence of key issues such as voting rights and economic stability in Georgia’s decision-making process.
With the primary results in, the focus now shifts to the runoff elections, where the final decisions will be made. The state’s voters, who have shown strong engagement in recent elections, will play a decisive role in shaping the next chapter of Georgia’s political story. Whether the GOP succeeds in its Senate bid or the Democrats reclaim the governor’s office, the outcomes will have lasting implications for the state’s governance and national politics.