Kemp officially endorses Dooley as his pick for Senate
The endorsement comes as GOP powerbrokers question Dooley's chances.
What happened:
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has officially endorsed Derek Dooley, a former football coach and political newcomer, in the 2026 Republican U.S. Senate primary. Dooley is running to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). Kemp made the endorsement at a public appearance in Athens, Georgia, just before a University of Georgia football game.
Kemp’s Rationale & Arguments
Kemp argues that Georgia needs a political outsider—someone not defined by previous congressional terms—to take on Ossoff and hold him accountable.
He says such an outsider can better focus on the incumbent’s record while presenting a forward-looking vision for Georgia.
Kemp has not only endorsed Dooley, but also has committed to helping: deploying key political aides to work on Dooley’s campaign and signaling donor support.
Support & Criticism From Across the Spectrum
From Dooley & Kemp backers:
Dooley is leaning into the “outsider” narrative. He points to what he sees as Ossoff’s alignment with President Biden and his opposition to Donald Trump, arguing those positions make Ossoff unfit in the eyes of many Georgia Republicans.
Dooley also emphasizes leadership and bringing people together—drawing on his coaching background and family legacy (his father was UGA legend Vince Dooley).
From within the GOP:
Rep. Mike Collins has pushed back. One of his criticisms: Dooley did not vote in 2016 or 2020 when Donald Trump was on the ballot. Collins says that might hurt turnout among Trump’s base in the GOP primary.
Some GOP strategists worry about how the “outsider” label works in practice—Can Dooley unite the party? Will his lack of previous political experience be seen as a liability?
From Democrats:
Democrats have been critical of Kemp’s move, describing the GOP primary as already chaotic and saying Kemp’s endorsement intensifies internal divisions.
Some Democratic statements reference Dooley’s coaching record (and his lack of success in certain past roles), using them to question whether he has the skills or track record to hold Ossoff's seat.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Election Dynamics
Strengths:
Name recognition & family legacy: Being the son of Vince Dooley gives immediate visibility among Georgia voters.
Kemp’s backing: Having the governor’s endorsement, plus his inner circle helping out, is a strong advantage in raising funds, aligning local leaders, and structuring campaign operations.
Appeal to unity and outsider status: For voters tired of career politicians and factionalism, the message of “change” and “outsider versus establishment” can be powerful.
Weaknesses:
Sparse political track record: Dooley has never held elective office, and his prior coaching record (with losses) will be fodder for critics.
Questionable voting history: Not having voted in some key elections when Trump was on the ballot is a point of vulnerability, especially among the Republican base who care about loyalty and consistency.
Primary competition & fractured endorsements: Other Republicans (e.g. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter) are still in, and Trump has not yet endorsed anyone firmly. That means there's risk of protracted contest, which could weaken the GOP going into the general.
What This Could Mean for 2026
The GOP Senate primary is shaping up to have two big axes: insider vs. outsider; Trump-aligned vs. GOP members who want to avoid purely Trump-driven identity politics. Dooley is trying to straddle that territory: he is an outsider but is emphasizing alignment with Trump. Kemp’s endorsement is meant to boost him in that middle ground.
If Dooley consolidates endorsements and fundraising, he could become the front-runner. Kemp’s early aid might help him build momentum.
But if the primary gets bitter, with attacks over loyalty, voting records, or political experience, that could leave scars for the eventual nominee. Those scars may hand Ossoff cover to criticize the GOP nominee’s inconsistency or lack of governing experience.
Also, Trump’s endorsement (if it comes) could be a tipping point. Without it, Dooley might have the backing of Kemp and establishment GOP, but still struggle to fully gain traction with the base.
Bottom Line
Kemp’s endorsement of Derek Dooley is a high-stakes move. It signals Kemp wants to shape the GOP contest early and shepherd someone he believes can win in November 2026. Dooley has real advantages — name recognition, backing, the outsider message. But he also has serious vulnerabilities: political inexperience, past absences from voting, and uncertainty over whether the GOP base will fully embrace him over more overtly Trump-aligned or experienced candidates.
The race is far from decided — but with Kemp’s public support, Dooley has taken a big leap toward becoming the person many Republicans will coalesce around.