Collins Brings Conservative Credentials to the Frontlines
U.S. Representative Mike Collins (R-GA), a second-term congressman and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, has officially entered the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Collins aims to unseat Democrat Senator Jon Ossoff in what’s shaping up to be a defining race for Georgia’s political future.
In his campaign announcement, Collins leaned into his conservative track record, emphasizing a no-nonsense approach to border security, fiscal discipline, and standing firm against what he called “radical left-wing policies coming out of Washington.” A Jackson native and successful trucking company CEO, Collins represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, covering a wide swath of east and central Georgia, including the University of Georgia in Athens and parts of metro Atlanta.
Collins, the son of the late Rep. Mac Collins, a conservative staple in Georgia politics from the 1990s to mid-2000s, is doubling down on his outsider, business-minded credentials. “We need a senator who works for Georgia, not for the California crazies or New York nut jobs,” Collins said, a direct jab at Ossoff’s perceived liberal ties.
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A Crowded, Competitive GOP Field Begins to Take Shape
The Georgia GOP primary is quickly becoming one of the most watched races of the 2026 election cycle. Several names are circulating within Republican circles, including U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter from the coastal First District, who is already branding himself a “MAGA warrior.” Meanwhile, speculation continues around a potential bid from former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, who is reportedly receiving quiet encouragement from Governor Brian Kemp.
In recent days, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King exited the race after speaking with Kemp, adding fuel to rumors that the governor is working behind the scenes to consolidate support behind a single candidate.
The looming question for primary contenders: who will earn the backing of Donald Trump? Both Collins and Carter have indicated strong loyalty to the former president, but Trump has yet to publicly endorse a Senate candidate in Georgia. Collins, notably, defeated a Trump-backed rival in his initial 2022 House race, though he’s since aligned closely with Trump’s legislative agenda.
Focus on Immigration and the Laken Riley Act
In his announcement, Collins pointed to his sponsorship of the Laken Riley Act, a federal bill named after a University of Georgia nursing student who was tragically murdered in 2024. The act aims to mandate the detention of illegal immigrants arrested for property crimes. The suspect in Riley’s case, Jose Ibarra, was an illegal immigrant from Venezuela and had previously crossed the border in 2022. He was convicted in November.
“This isn’t just about policy, it’s about protecting innocent Americans from preventable tragedies,” Collins said.
His tough stance on immigration is expected to resonate strongly with Georgia’s conservative voters, especially in rural and suburban districts where border security and public safety remain top priorities.
Taking Direct Aim at Jon Ossoff
While the Republican field is still forming, Collins wasted no time in calling out the Democratic incumbent.
“Jon Ossoff doesn’t represent Georgia values, he’s a rubber stamp for Joe Biden and the far-left agenda,” Collins said in his campaign video. “We need someone in the Senate who’s going to fight for the people of Georgia, not Washington elites.”
Collins has pledged to oppose wasteful spending, resist tax increases, and support energy independence. He’s also expected to campaign heavily on support for law enforcement and educational reform, areas where Ossoff’s voting record may be vulnerable.
A Defining Race for Georgia’s Political Future
As the 2026 Senate race heats up, Mike Collins enters the field with name recognition, conservative credentials, and a strong base of grassroots support. While the GOP primary may be crowded, his message is clear: restore common sense, fight the radical left, and put Georgia first.
With immigration, crime, and economic issues top of mind for voters, this race is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential in the nation. Whether Collins can break through and unite Georgia’s Republican base remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for Georgia’s Senate seat has officially begun.
