Former Football Coach Derek Dooley Seeks Georgia Senate Seat Despite Lack of Voting History

Dooley, who did not vote for nearly two decades, is running as a political outsider in the Republican primary to face off against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Published on Feb. 16, 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. Despite not voting for nearly two decades, including in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Dooley is pitching himself as a political outsider who can bring a fresh perspective to Washington. He faces a crowded Republican 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 endorsement of Republican Governor Brian Kemp, which has drawn criticism from some in the party who see him as an establishment figure.

Why it matters

Dooley's lack of voting history and political experience sets him apart from typical candidates, but it also raises questions about his commitment to the democratic process. The Republican primary in Georgia is seen as a key race that could help the party preserve its slim Senate majority by ousting the incumbent 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 led the University of Tennessee but was fired after a losing record. Dooley says he became interested in politics during President Biden's term, citing issues like border enforcement, economic policies, and transgender athletes. He voted for Trump in 2024 but did not vote in the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections.

  • Dooley is running in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary in Georgia.
  • The general election between the Republican nominee and Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff will take place in November 2026.

The players

Derek Dooley

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

Jon Ossoff

The incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator from Georgia who Dooley would face in the general election if he wins the Republican primary.

Brian Kemp

The Republican Governor of Georgia who has endorsed Dooley's Senate campaign, drawing criticism from some in the party who see Dooley as an establishment figure.

Mike Collins

A Republican Congressman running against Dooley in the primary, who is more closely aligned with former President Trump's brand.

Buddy Carter

A Republican Congressman also running against Dooley in the primary, who is more closely aligned with former President Trump's brand.

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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 (AP)

“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 (AP)

“Completely siloing yourself with the old, establishment governor is not a way to say you're an outsider.”

— Courtlyn Cook, Chair of the Glynn County Republicans (AP)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Dooley's lack of voting history and political experience sets him apart from typical candidates, but it also raises questions about his commitment to the democratic process. His endorsement from the Republican Governor of Georgia has drawn criticism from some in the party who see him as an establishment figure, despite his outsider pitch.