Atlanta, Georgia, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Derek Dooley, son of the famed University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. He aims to challenge incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff in the critical 2026 elections. This adds a new dynamic to an already competitive Republican field, which includes Congressman Mike Collins and Congressman Buddy Carter. Endorsed by Governor Brian Kemp, Dooley’s campaign highlights the evolving Republican leadership in Georgia and the state’s growing importance in national politics.
Atlanta, Georgia – Derek Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, aiming to challenge current U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Dooley’s entry adds a dynamic element to a race that is expected to be pivotal for both state and national politics.
Former collegiate and NFL head coach, Dooley is joining a competitive Republican field that includes notable contenders such as Congressman Mike Collins and Congressman Buddy Carter. The endorsement of Dooley by Governor Brian Kemp, ahead of the University of Georgia’s football season opener, has provided a significant boost to his campaign, aligning him with the state’s leading Republican figure.
Dooley made an appearance on a local political program to discuss his campaign strategies and platforms. His entry into the race does not only highlight a continued evolution of Republican leadership in the state but also underscores Georgia’s increasing importance as a battleground in the 2026 midterm elections and the subsequent 2028 presidential election.
The context of this election cycle is punctuated by the results of a recent special election held to replace former state Senator Brandon Beach, where 21,433 votes were cast, reflecting a 14% turnout rate. In that election, Democrat Debra Shigley stood out with around 40% of the vote, setting the stage for a runoff against Jason Dickerson, who narrowly secured second place with 17.4% of the votes over Steve West, who garnered 17.1%. The upcoming runoff election, scheduled for September 23, will significantly impact local GOP dynamics and strategy moving forward.
Shigley’s campaign focuses on affordability for families, enhancing public schools, and improving healthcare access, resonating with many voters in the constituency that spans parts of Fulton and Cherokee counties. Historically, these areas have leaned Republican, evidenced by Beach’s dominant win against his Democratic challenger in 2024, where Beach received over 70% of the votes.
Various Republican candidates are carving out their platforms as they approach the 2026 elections. Dickerson, who considers himself a political outsider, is prioritizing issues like property tax relief and affordable housing for seniors, reportedly investing $500,000 of his own funds into his campaign. Meanwhile, West is advocating for a conservative agenda that includes eliminating the state income tax and combating illegal immigration.
On the other hand, Shigley has gained traction within her party, collecting endorsements from prominent Democratic figures, including Senator Ossoff and Representative Lucy McBath. This cross-party endorsement landscape reflects both optimism and competition, as Republicans and Democrats gear up for what is anticipated to be a significant election cycle.
The 2026 elections in Georgia are viewed by many political analysts as a critical juncture that could shape the future of leadership both in the state and across the nation. Voter engagement and turnout in Georgia are increasingly pivotal given the state’s role as a political bellwether, making the upcoming elections not just about local governance but also about broader national implications.
FAQ
Who is Derek Dooley?
Derek Dooley is the son of former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley and a former collegiate and NFL football coach. He is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia in 2026.
Who is Derek Dooley challenging?
Dooley is challenging current U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, in the 2026 midterm elections.
Who else is running in the 2026 Senate race in Georgia?
The race includes other Republican candidates such as Congressman Mike Collins and Congressman Buddy Carter.
What are some key issues in the upcoming elections?
Key issues include affordability for families, healthcare access, education, and property tax relief, reflecting the candidates’ varying platforms.
Why is Georgia significant in the 2026 elections?
Georgia’s electoral landscape is crucial as it has become a battleground for both Republicans and Democrats, impacting not just state politics but also national leadership heading into the 2028 presidential election.
Key Features of the 2026 Senate Race
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Derek Dooley | Former coach entering the U.S. Senate race. |
| Jon Ossoff | Current U.S. Senator and Democratic incumbent. |
| Competitors | Includes Mike Collins and Buddy Carter. |
| Endorsement | Endorsed by Governor Brian Kemp. |
| Voter Turnout | Recent special election saw 14% turnout. |
| 2028 Presidential Context | Georgia’s electoral trends likely to impact the presidential election. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance Campaign in Georgia
Vice President JD Vance Champions Federal Budget Bill in Atlanta
Georgia Lawmakers Push for Complete Income Tax Elimination
Vice President JD Vance Promotes Tax Cuts in Peachtree City
Georgia Senate Committee Considers Elimination of Income Tax
Georgia Enacts Distraction Free Education Act for Schools
Georgia Lawmakers Reassess Medical Cannabis Regulations
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones Announces Gubernatorial Run
New Initiative to Boost AI Skills in Atlanta Students
In Memoriam: Patricia Mary Boswell Cantwell’s Legacy
Additional Resources
- Georgia Recorder: Live Results for Georgia’s Special State Senate Election
- Atlanta News First: Derek Dooley’s Impact on Georgia’s Senate Race
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Kemp Endorses Derek Dooley
- AJC: Candidates Head for a Runoff in North Metro State Senate Race
- Atlanta Jewish Times: Jewish Democrat Advances in State Senate Race
- Wikipedia: 2026 United States Senate Elections
- Google Search: Georgia Elections 2026
- Google Scholar: Georgia Senate Race 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Senate
- Google News: Georgia Senate Race
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
