Former Football Coach Derek Dooley Runs for Senate in Georgia

Dooley, who did not vote for nearly two decades, seeks Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Derek Dooley, a former football coach, is running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia. Dooley, who says he did not vote for nearly two decades, is pitching himself as a political outsider who can bring a fresh perspective to Washington. He faces a crowded primary field that includes two sitting congressmen, Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, who are more closely aligned with former President Trump's brand. Dooley has the backing of Republican Governor Brian Kemp, which could help him overcome his lack of political experience.

Why it matters

Dooley's candidacy represents an interesting test of whether voters in Georgia are looking for a true political outsider, or if they prefer candidates with more traditional political experience. His lack of voting history could be a liability, but he is hoping to tap into anti-establishment sentiment. The winner of the Republican primary will have a strong chance of flipping the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jon Ossoff.

The details

Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, worked as a lawyer before becoming a college and professional football coach. He says he became interested in politics during the Biden administration and voted for Trump in 2024, but did not vote in the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections. Dooley is running on a platform of boosting workforce training, reducing home prices by cutting government regulation, and preventing lawmakers from using taxpayer money for campaign materials.

  • Dooley is running in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary election.
  • The general election against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff will take place on November 3, 2026.

The players

Derek Dooley

A former football coach who is running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia.

Jon Ossoff

The Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator from Georgia who Dooley is seeking to unseat.

Brian Kemp

The Republican Governor of Georgia who has endorsed Dooley's Senate campaign.

Mike Collins

A Republican Congressman running against Dooley in the primary.

Buddy Carter

A Republican Congressman running against Dooley in the primary.

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What they’re saying

“If you're not vigilant in exercising that right, things can go pretty sideways in our country.”

— Derek Dooley, Candidate for U.S. Senate (The Associated Press)

“I was looking for a political outsider, and it just happened to be a guy that I've known for, you know, 50-plus years.”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The winner of the May 19 Republican primary will face off against Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in the November 3, 2026 general election.

The takeaway

Dooley's lack of political experience and voting history could be a liability, but his outsider status and backing from Governor Kemp may resonate with some Republican voters in Georgia who are looking for a fresh face to challenge the Democratic incumbent. The primary will be a key test of the continued strength of the anti-establishment sentiment in the GOP.