Trump-Kemp Clash Tests GOP Runoffs in Georgia, Alabama

Georgia voters return to the polls Tuesday to settle a Republican Senate runoff that pits a Trump-backed congressman against a former football coach backed by the state governor. Representative Mike Collins finished first in the May primary with 41 percent of the vote while Derek Dooley took about 30 percent. President Trump endorsed Collins over the weekend, describing him as a consistent supporter of his agenda since the beginning. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has stood with Dooley, whose father coached football at the University of Georgia.

The contest reflects differing approaches within the state party. Collins owns a trucking business and has aligned himself with national conservative priorities in Congress. Dooley presents himself as an outsider focused on state issues, though he has pledged to work with the president if elected. The winner will challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November. Ossoff won his seat in 2021 and maintains a strong constituent service operation despite representing a state that Trump carried in 2024.

Alabama also holds a Senate runoff on Tuesday. Voters there will choose between candidates seeking the Republican nomination in a solidly red state. Oklahoma conducts primaries for both Senate and governor, while the District of Columbia holds its mayoral primary. In California a special election narrows candidates for the 14th congressional district seat vacated by the resignation of Representative Eric Swalwell.

The Georgia races have drawn attention because they test the reach of competing Republican figures. Kemp endorsed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in the gubernatorial contest to succeed him, aligning with Trump in that race while diverging in the Senate contest. Outside spending has elevated lesser-known candidates, including in the governor's race. Analysts note that results will show whether Kemp's emphasis on broad electability in November retains influence against national momentum behind Trump-aligned candidates.

Collins has updated campaign ads to highlight the president's support. Dooley has appeared with Kemp and his wife at events, leaning on personal ties and the governor's popularity. Both sides frame their choice as the stronger path to defeating Ossoff. The outcome will shape the Senate map, where Republicans hold a narrow majority and view Georgia as a potential pickup opportunity.

Voter turnout in runoffs tends to be lower than in general elections, often favoring organized factions. Collins and Dooley finished ahead of other contenders in May, including Representative Buddy Carter, who was eliminated. The remaining choice now centers on which candidate's record and associations better match the preferences of Republican primary voters in a state that has trended rightward in recent cycles.