Trump-endorsed candidates are facing critical tests in Georgia and Alabama’s GOP runoff elections, which could significantly impact the party’s future in key races this Tuesday.
As President Donald Trump remains off the ballot, his influence over the Republican Party is being put to the test in high-stakes runoff elections in Georgia and Alabama. Candidates endorsed by Trump are vying for the GOP gubernatorial and Senate nominations in these pivotal states, which are crucial for the party’s strategy leading into the midterm elections.
The contests in Georgia and Alabama coincide with primary elections in Oklahoma and the District of Columbia, as well as a special election in California’s 14th Congressional District to fill the seat left vacant by former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell. However, the primary focus is on Georgia, where Trump made a last-minute endorsement in the Senate race over the weekend, a move that could influence the GOP’s slim majority in the Senate.
Trump endorsed Republican Rep. Mike Collins, a staunch supporter of the president, who is competing against former college football coach Derek Dooley, backed by popular conservative Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Collins expressed gratitude for Trump’s endorsement, stating, “It’s an honor to have that endorsement. It just shows that he has confidence that we know how to win this race, we know we’re in the lead in this thing.”
When asked if Trump’s endorsement came too late to make a difference, Collins asserted, “I don’t think President Trump ever is too late. He has this impeccable ability of putting his thumb right on the scale at the right time with whatever he wants to do.” In contrast, Dooley, who is positioning himself as an outsider, downplayed the impact of Trump’s support, emphasizing his commitment to the people of Georgia and his endorsement from Governor Kemp.
Collins, representing Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, is the son of the late Rep. Mac Collins and co-owns a trucking company. Dooley, a lawyer and former football coach, is the son of the legendary University of Georgia head football coach Vince Dooley. The two candidates emerged as the top finishers in a crowded primary last month, necessitating the runoff after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote.
The winner of the GOP Senate nomination in Georgia will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the general election. Republicans view Ossoff as a vulnerable incumbent, and they are keenly targeting him as they prepare for the midterms. However, Ossoff has built a substantial fundraising advantage that could prove significant as the general election approaches.
In addition to the Senate race, Trump’s endorsement is also being tested in Georgia’s gubernatorial runoff, where he previously supported Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Jones is competing against billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, who has invested over $100 million of his own money into his campaign. The winner will face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who won a majority in the Democratic primary without needing a runoff.
Jones and Jackson were the top two finishers in a competitive GOP gubernatorial primary that included state Attorney General Chris Carr and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, they advanced to the runoff.
Jones highlighted the significance of Trump’s endorsement, stating, “The president’s endorsement carries a lot of weight here in Georgia.” Kemp endorsed Jones shortly before the election, emphasizing the importance of having strong candidates to lead the party into the general election. “When you think about the direction of the state and the great things that we’ve been able to do, I think he’s best suited to move the state forward,” Kemp remarked.
Jackson, who was relatively unknown before launching his campaign, has gained recognition through extensive advertising that highlights his personal story of overcoming adversity. He has positioned himself as a business-minded outsider, stating, “I’m going to be Trump’s favorite governor because we’re just alike on the way that we handle business and handle problems.”
In Alabama, Trump is backing Rep. Barry Moore in the GOP Senate runoff against former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson. Moore, who has a background in waste management and has served in the U.S. House since 2020, was one of Trump’s earliest supporters during the 2016 campaign. He is also endorsed by Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Hudson, who has a diverse background as a combat veteran, sheriff’s deputy, and small business owner, edged out state Attorney General Steve Marshall to advance to the runoff. He has received endorsements from several notable figures, including former Sen. Markwayne Mullin and conservative activist Riley Gaines.
The winner of the Moore-Hudson runoff will be favored in the general election against the Democratic nominee, who will emerge from a runoff between small business owner Dakarai Larriett and attorney Everett Wess.
In Oklahoma, Trump is supporting Mike Mazzei in the GOP gubernatorial primary and minister Jackson Lahmeyer in the Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., the Democratic primary to succeed outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser will effectively determine her successor.
Trump’s endorsement power has been evident in recent GOP primaries, where his candidates have successfully ousted incumbents in various states, including Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas. However, his endorsement streak faced a setback two weeks ago when his support for Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa did not secure victory in a competitive primary.
Despite this, Trump rebounded last week when his endorsed candidate in South Carolina’s gubernatorial primary, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, finished first in a crowded field. Additionally, longtime ally Sen. Lindsey Graham won a majority in his Senate primary, avoiding a runoff.
As the results from Georgia and Alabama unfold, the implications of Trump’s endorsements will be closely scrutinized, potentially shaping the future of the Republican Party in these critical races, according to Fox News.