Ex-football coach Derek Dooley launches bid for Georgia Senate seat
Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach, has announced his run for the Senate in Georgia, aiming to challenge the current Democratic incumbent, Jon Ossoff. Dooley's campaign platform is centered around positioning himself as an outsider candidate, opposing Ossoff, who he criticizes as a "professional politician" disconnected from Georgia values.
Dooley's Platform: A Trump Ally and Georgia First
Dooley pledges to work closely with former President Donald Trump to advance Trump’s agenda in the Senate, supporting the Trump administration and opposing what he calls the "extreme left" policies Ossoff favors. He presents himself as a new voice and fresh leadership alternative to career politicians like Ossoff.
A Trump-aligned Outsider
Unlike other Republican candidates in the Georgia Senate race, Dooley emphasizes his outsider status and loyalty to Trump. While some candidates focus on state-level issues or broad conservative principles like tax cuts, Dooley's campaign is built around these key points:
- His background as a former football coach turned political outsider.
- Explicit, vocal support of Trump and commitment to implement Trump’s agenda.
- Critique of Ossoff as an entrenched politician out of touch with Georgia voters.
Primary Challenges Ahead
Dooley will face off against Republican Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter in the primary for the Senate seat in Georgia. The 2022 election in Georgia saw a split ticket between the Senate and gubernatorial races, with key candidate disparities between Kemp and Walker.
In May, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp officially decided not to run for the Senate, stating it wasn't the "right decision" for him. Since then, he has been working with the Trump administration to coalesce the field around a candidate for the Senate primary to avoid another midterm loss. Kemp has met with Trump to discuss the state's Senate primary, and the White House and Kemp have been engaging to find the best approaches for the primary.
A Political Legacy
Dooley's father, Vince Dooley, was a legendary University of Georgia football coach. In 2016, Vince Dooley endorsed Donald Trump for president.
As the 2026 Georgia Senate race unfolds, Dooley's campaign slogan, "Georgia First," emphasizes his focus on constituents. His campaign is highlighting his football background and likening sports values to politics, positioning him as a unique candidate in the race.
[1] Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
[2] Source: The Hill
[3] Source: Politico
- Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach, has announced his run for the Georgia Senate in an attempt to challenge the current Democratic incumbent, Jon Ossoff.
- Dooley's campaign platform is centered around aligning himself with former President Donald Trump's agenda, supporting Trump's policies and opposing what he critiques as the "extreme left" policies Ossoff favors.
- In the Georgia Senate race, Dooley will face competition from other Republican candidates like Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter in the primary, as he seeks to represent Georgia in the Senate.
- Dooley's political beliefs and campaign are a reflection of his football background and family legacy, as his father, Vince Dooley, was a legendary University of Georgia football coach who endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2016.
