Mike Collins leads the pack once again in new Georgia senate poll
Collins also only GOP candidate polling competitively with Ossoff
Driving the news: A new poll shows Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is vulnerable heading into his 2026 re-election bid — and Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) is the Republican most likely to beat him.
Why it matters
Ossoff has a weak approval rating — only 37% of voters think he deserves re-election, while nearly half say it’s time for a change.
Georgia is a must-win state for both parties. A Collins candidacy offers Republicans a unifying option to focus early firepower on flipping the seat.
GOP operatives warn that a long, messy primary could waste valuable time and money while Ossoff stockpiles cash.
By the numbers
Collins vs. Ossoff: 38% to 38% — a statistical tie.
Carter vs. Ossoff: Carter trails slightly.
Dooley vs. Ossoff: Dooley lags further behind.
Among Republicans, 25% say Collins is their best chance to win, compared to smaller shares for Buddy Carter and Derek Dooley.
Cash on hand: Ossoff holds a commanding fundraising advantage, but Collins is gaining grassroots momentum.
The big picture
Collins is increasingly viewed as the “safe bet”: steady, recognizable, and without the polarizing baggage that could splinter Republicans.
GOP voters are signaling they want to end the primary brawl early and line up behind Collins so the party can zero in on Ossoff.
The issue set favors Republicans: immigration, crime, and the economy remain vulnerabilities for Ossoff in a state that has only narrowly leaned blue.
Between the lines
Buddy Carter is competitive but trails Ossoff slightly and isn’t consolidating Republican confidence.
Derek Dooley, despite Gov. Kemp’s backing, is viewed by only 7% of GOP voters as the strongest contender — far from enough to pose a real threat in the general.
Republican strategists argue that waiting too long to coalesce could give Ossoff time to redefine himself with swing voters.
What’s next
Expect GOP leaders and outside groups to pressure rivals to clear the way for Collins.
National Republican committees will likely funnel resources into Georgia early to close Ossoff’s money advantage.
If Collins secures the nomination quickly, Republicans believe they’ll have a prime opportunity to flip one of Democrats’ most vulnerable Senate seats.
👉 Bottom line: Georgia Republicans see Mike Collins as their strongest candidate to defeat Jon Ossoff — and they’re eager to get the primary fight over with so they can focus on the real target.
