Trump Ally Mike Collins Launches Georgia Senate Bid to Unseat Jon Ossoff in 2026

In a bold move that could reshape Georgia's political landscape, Republican Rep. Mike Collins has thrown his hat into the ring for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff in what promises to be a heated 2026 midterm battle. Collins, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy on Monday, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in this crucial southeastern battleground state.

Collins didn’t mince words, accusing Ossoff of betraying Georgia’s values with votes that, he claims, have burdened families with higher taxes, fueled inflation, and undermined border security. He also criticized Ossoff’s stance on social issues, alleging the senator supports policies that clash with traditional state interests. "This is Georgia’s moment," Collins declared, emphasizing his intent to push Trump’s America First agenda and reclaim the Senate seat for the people.

A businessman turned politician, Collins has deep roots in Georgia politics as the son of the late Rep. Mac Collins. Currently in his second term representing Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, he’s built a reputation as a conservative fighter. His early and unwavering support for Trump, dating back to the 2016 cycle, has cemented his standing in the GOP, further highlighted by his active role in Trump’s 2024 campaign and the opening of campaign offices across Georgia.

But the road to the Senate won’t be a solo sprint. Collins faces competition within his own party, with Rep. Buddy Carter already in the race and former football coach Derek Dooley potentially joining the fray. The dynamics are complicated by behind-the-scenes tensions between Trump’s team and Gov. Brian Kemp’s camp over candidate selection, revealing the high stakes of this GOP primary. Meanwhile, Democrats aren’t sitting idly by—Georgia Democratic Chair Charlie Bailey slammed Collins as an extremist out of touch with voters, pointing to his positions on Social Security, healthcare, and reproductive rights.

Collins also brings legislative heft to his campaign, having reintroduced the Laken Riley Act earlier this year. Named after a Georgia nursing student tragically killed, the law mandates detention for undocumented immigrants charged with certain crimes and was among the first signed by Trump in his second term. It’s a poignant issue that could resonate deeply with voters.

As this race heats up, all eyes are on Georgia. With Trump’s endorsement still up for grabs, the Republican primary could become a proving ground for loyalty and grit. Will Collins’ close ties to the former president give him the edge, or will internal party fractures open the door for Ossoff to hold his ground? Only time—and a lot of campaign mudslinging—will tell.

Editor's Comments

Well, folks, Georgia’s Senate race is shaping up to be a real peach of a fight! Mike Collins is revving up like he’s driving one of his old trucking rigs straight at Ossoff’s seat. But with Trump’s team and Kemp’s crew bickering over who’s the best wingman, it’s like watching two pit crews argue over a tire change while the car’s still on the track. And here’s a thought—Collins named a bill after Laken Riley, but will voters remember the name or just the pain? Let’s hope this race doesn’t turn into a game of ‘whose endorsement is bigger?’ because, frankly, Georgia deserves more than a political beauty pageant.