GOP Senate hopeful Dooley says his pragmatism is right for Georgia

ATLANTA – The winner of Tuesday’s Republican Senate runoff race in the Peach State will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. The contest is considered one of the most competitive Senate races in the country and could play a significant role in determining control of the U.S. Senate.

President Trump endorsed Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) over the weekend, after early voting closed. Some experts say that is a slight to Gov. Brian Kemp’s pick of former football coach Derek Dooley. The runoff has become a test of influence between two of the figures not just in Georgia but also in national Republican politics.

Dooley sat down with “Raising America” and says he is the candidate who can rise to the occasion and appeal to any voter.

“I just think it’s so important to have a candidate that not only can energize the Trump Republican voters, but you’ve got to have somebody that can find some common ground or connect them from a leadership style standpoint with voters that don’t always vote Republican, or maybe they don’t vote in the midterms or the primaries,” Dooley said. “Everybody deserves respect. And it’s just something I’ve done for 30 years as a coach.”

While the president has rallied behind Collins — a conservative congressman from Georgia’s 10th Congressional District — Kemp argues Dooley’s outsider profile and broader appeal could improve Republicans’ chances in a statewide general election.

Collins finished first in the May 19 primary with roughly 40 percent of the vote to Dooley’s 30 percent, advancing both candidates to a head-to-head contest. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) finished third. The runoff winner will earn the Republican nomination and immediately turn attention toward Ossoff, who is seeking a second six-year term.

Recent polling showed Collins holding an advantage over Dooley, with the RealClearPolling average giving Collins a lead.

Dooley said he finds his campaign style more pragmatic.

“If you look at our history of our state and look at a certain leadership style, I don’t care if it’s Gov. Brian Kemp, Johnny Isakson … Sam Nunn, back in the day, a Democrat. There is a leadership style that I think the Georgia people want,” Dooley said. “There’s a level of pragmatism and respect for all groups. I think it’s rooted in some basic conservative principles. I do. When you deviate from that style, whether it’s you’re super radical in your politics or you’re not representing the people in a way that they deem appropriate, then they’re going to resist it.”

Dooley has frequently argued that Republicans must expand beyond their traditional base if they hope to defeat Ossoff. His campaign has emphasized winning over independents, suburban voters and moderate Republicans, a strategy similar to the coalition that helped Kemp win statewide elections by comfortable margins.

The eventual Republican nominee will face a well-funded incumbent. Ossoff has amassed one of the largest campaign war chests in the country, reporting roughly $33 million cash on hand after raising nearly $60 million for his reelection effort. Both Collins and Dooley have raised significantly less money, creating a financial challenge for whichever candidate emerges from the runoff.

“What I found about Jon Ossoff, you know, when I rode around this state, I was stunned at how few people really know who he is and what he represents. And so that’s why he’s going to be tough to beat,” he said. “It’s very important that whoever wins this race, which I believe it’s going to be me, has an ability to stay on offense… to educate the Georgia people on what Jon Ossoff is, who he represents, what he votes for. I believe that’s intentional because deep down, he knows what he votes for and what he supports does not reflect the values of the Georgia people.”

“Raising America” reached out to the Collins and Ossoff campaigns for comment.

“Raising America” is a NewsNation podcast hosted by Elizabeth Prann.

GOP Senate hopeful Dooley says his pragmatism is right for Georgia

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