Georgias Republican Senate runoff has tightened into a high-stakes showdown between Rep. Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, with new polling suggesting momentum is breaking sharply in Collins favor.
According to RedState, the May 19 primary ended without either candidate clearing the 50-percent-plus-one threshold, sending Collins, who led 40.5 percent to 30.9 percent, into a June 16 runoff against Dooley. Now, a fresh survey from JMC Analytics and Polling taken May 2627 shows Collins expanding his advantage to 55 percent, compared with 39 percent for Dooley.
The same poll found that among undecided voters, 39 percent were leaning toward Collins, while just 27 percent were tilting toward Dooley. On favorability, 25 percent of respondents viewed Collins as very favorable, compared with 16 percent for Dooley.
Collins, a two-term congressman, has built his brand on fiscal conservatism, small business advocacy, and standing up for working men and women, positioning himself squarely within the America First wing of the GOP. He introduced the Laken Riley Act in the House and helped shepherd it to passage, underscoring his alignment with the MAGA priorities of mass deportations, strong border security, and unwavering support for veterans and the military.
Though Collins has been a reliable ally in advancing the Trump agenda, President Donald Trump has not yet weighed in with an endorsement in this race. That silence leaves room for late movement, even as current polling suggests grassroots conservatives are coalescing around Collins tougher stance on immigration and spending.
Dooley, by contrast, has framed his message as Georgia First rather than America First, emphasizing safer communities, improved education and skills training, and better affordability for families. Backed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Dooley is appealing to more establishment-leaning Republicans, setting up a clear ideological contrast for voters who will decide on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, which vision will take on Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
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