Former Football Coach Derek Dooley Seeks Georgia Senate Seat

Dooley, who did not vote for nearly two decades, is running as a political outsider in the Republican primary.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Derek Dooley, a former football coach, is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Dooley, who did not vote for nearly 20 years, is running as a political outsider, despite having the endorsement of Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Dooley's opponents in the primary include two congressmen, Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, who are more closely aligned with former President Trump's brand. The primary winner will be a key Republican candidate in the midterm elections, with a chance to help the party preserve its slim Senate majority.

Why it matters

Dooley's lack of voting history and political experience sets him apart from typical candidates, which could resonate with voters seeking an outsider perspective. However, his close ties to the establishment Republican governor raise questions about how much of an outsider he truly is. The outcome of the primary will be crucial in determining the Republican challenger to Sen. Ossoff, a race that could impact the balance of power in the Senate.

The details

Dooley, the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, worked as a lawyer before coaching at the college and professional levels. He stepped away from coaching after the 2023 season and is now seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate seat. Dooley has criticized Ossoff over issues like border enforcement, economic policies, and support for transgender athletes, and says he voted for Trump in 2024. Dooley's opponents in the primary, Congressmen Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, are more closely aligned with Trump's 'Make America Great Again' brand, but Dooley has the endorsement of Gov. Kemp, who is seen as more establishment.

  • Dooley did not vote when Republican Donald Trump was first elected president in 2016.
  • Dooley did not vote in 2020, when Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
  • The Republican primary election in Georgia is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Derek Dooley

A former football coach who is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia, despite not having voted for nearly two decades.

Jon Ossoff

The incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator from Georgia, who Dooley is seeking to challenge in the general election.

Brian Kemp

The Republican Governor of Georgia, who has endorsed Dooley's Senate campaign and has a long-standing relationship with Dooley's family.

Mike Collins

A U.S. Congressman who is also running in the Republican primary for the Senate seat.

Buddy Carter

A U.S. Congressman who is also running in the Republican primary for the Senate seat.

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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 (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)

“Both of them have been in Congress and so they know what it takes. Dooley is going to be hard because he's never been in that position before.”

— Timothy Jackson, University of West Georgia student (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Dooley's lack of political experience and history of not voting could resonate with some voters seeking an outsider candidate, but his close ties to the establishment Republican governor raise questions about how much of a true outsider he is. The outcome of the primary will be crucial in determining the Republican challenger to Sen. Ossoff, a race that could impact the balance of power in the Senate.