Collins and Dooley Head to Runoff in Georgia Senate Race

Primary Election Results

Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia will face former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley in a runoff election for the state’s GOP candidacy for the U.S. Senate. The initial primary did not yield a candidate with over 50% of the votes, setting the stage for this decisive contest.

According to the Associated Press, Collins secured 40.5% of the vote in the primary, while Dooley garnered 30.2%. Earl L. Carter received 25.1% of the votes.

Poll Insights

Quantus Insights conducted a snap poll the day after the primary. It revealed that Collins leads Dooley by double digits, capturing 53.5% of voter preferences compared to Dooley’s 37.2%. This poll involved 782 likely Republican primary voters and has a margin of error of 3.9%.

Collins, despite being outspent 15-to-1 on advertising, earned 40% in a five-way primary. Spokesperson Corbin Keown credited Collins’ strong showing to his reputation for hard work, authenticity, and a track record of results. Newsweek reached out to Dooley’s campaign for comments regarding the poll results.

The Road Ahead

In November, either Collins or Dooley will challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in a crucial electoral battle in Georgia.

Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed Dooley, choosing not to run himself. As of now, former President Donald Trump has not made an endorsement in this race.

Lauren French of Senate Majority PAC expressed skepticism about the Republican candidates, highlighting the in-fighting within the GOP. French emphasized voters’ clear choice between an undecided GOP and Ossoff’s proven track record.

Previous Poll Comparisons

Past polls provide additional perspective. An Echelon Insights poll from early April showed Collins with 44% support against Ossoff’s 51%. This poll had a 6.5% margin of error and involved 407 likely voters.

Additionally, an Emerson College poll from early March showed Ossoff leading with 49% against Dooley’s 41%, with 10% undecided. In the same poll, Ossoff had 48% compared to Collins’ 43%, with 9% undecided. This survey was conducted among 1,000 likely voters with a 3% margin of error.

The runoff election is set for June 16.