Georgia Republicans Hold Primary to Choose Senate Challenger to Jon Ossoff

Georgia Republicans will hold a primary Tuesday to select their nominee to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the November general election. The contest features two sitting members of Congress and a first-time candidate backed by outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp. The primary winner faces a narrow window to prepare for the general election.

Candidates and Campaign Focus Rep.

Mike Collins, who represents a district east of Atlanta, has emphasized his support for President Donald Trump and his sponsorship of the Lakin Riley Act. The law requires immigrants accused of certain crimes to be held without bond. Collins owns a trucking company and has highlighted his grassroots campaign efforts across the state.

He has also faced questions about a House ethics investigation regarding the hiring of a campaign adviser. Rep. Buddy Carter, serving his sixth term from a Savannah-area district, has reduced advertising in the final weeks before the primary. He has criticized Collins over the ethics matter during recent debates.

Role of Gov.

Dooley, 57, has positioned himself as a political outsider who can appeal beyond the party's base. In a speech Friday at a gun store in Douglasville, Kemp said the party needs a political outsider to win the Senate seat. Dooley has said electability is the key difference among the candidates.

Trump has not endorsed any of the three contenders. The absence of an endorsement increases the chance of a June 16 runoff.

Ossoff is the only Democratic senator seeking reelection in a state that President Donald Trump carried in the last presidential election. Democrats have won three Senate races in Georgia in the past six years. Republicans control the state legislature and have won two of Trump's three presidential campaigns in the state.

Party leaders have expressed concern about winning over moderate voters in the general election.

“I watch the polls just like everybody else. I know it’s going to be close.”

“My goal is here is to win our Senate seat back. We need a political outsider to do that.”