In a bold move that’s already sending ripples through Georgia’s political landscape, former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, 57, has officially launched his Republican bid for the U.S. Senate. Backed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and pledging loyalty to former President Donald Trump, Dooley enters a crowded GOP primary with a message built on conservative values, lower taxes, and a commitment to “put Georgia first.“
From Football Field to Political Arena
Derek Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley, has never held elected office. But his name recognition in the South, especially among football fans, is undeniable. In a two-minute announcement video, he said:
“I’m going to work with President Trump, fight for you, and always put Georgia first.”
His campaign focuses on smaller government, fiscal conservatism, and traditional family values, positioning him firmly within the Trump-aligned wing of the Republican Party.
Challenging Democrat Jon Ossoff in a Key 2026 Race
Dooley’s entry sets the stage for a fierce battle to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who has become a major target for Republicans looking to expand their 53-47 Senate majority.
Ossoff defeated former Senator David Perdue in a historic 2020 runoff, helping flip the Senate blue. But Republicans are determined to reclaim the seat in 2026, especially in a year when the Democratic Party must defend vulnerable seats in Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
A Crowded GOP Field
Derek Dooley joins an already competitive Republican primary, which includes U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins. Though Georgia Republicans had hoped Governor Kemp would run, he declined — instead choosing to endorse Dooley.
With multiple high-profile contenders, the primary is expected to be highly volatile and closely watched nationwide.
Democrats Fire Back
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) was quick to criticize Dooley’s candidacy, calling him:
“A failed football coach who has only ever spoken out to cheerlead Medicaid cuts that hurt Georgians.”
The DSCC appears ready to paint Dooley as inexperienced and out of touch with everyday voters — a strategy that previously helped Democrats defeat former Republican football star Herschel Walker in 2022.
Georgia: A Critical Battleground State
Georgia remains one of the top six Senate races to watch in 2026, alongside Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. While Democrats aim to hold their ground, the GOP is eyeing a broader majority. With control of the chamber hanging in the balance, both parties are expected to flood the state with money, ads, and ground game efforts.
Dooley’s deep roots in Georgia football culture and high-profile Republican backing may give him an edge — but only time will tell if he can score big in politics like he once hoped to on the field.
Derek Dooley’s Senate bid reflects the GOP’s ongoing transformation, where celebrity, name recognition, and loyalty to Donald Trump can sometimes outweigh political experience. With Georgia once again at the center of the national stage, voters will have plenty of drama leading up to 2026 — both on and off the campaign trail.