Georgia Republicans rejected former state Sen. Burt Jones, a Trump-backed candidate, in the June 16 primary runoff for governor [1]. Businessman Rick Jackson won the Republican nomination after launching his campaign in February and spending more than $100 million to secure the victory [1]. Jackson will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in the November general election [1].
In the same GOP runoff, Trump-endorsed Mike Collins won the Republican Senate primary against Derek Dooley [1]. Collins will challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November. Ossoff has raised $60 million for his re-election campaign, significantly outpacing Collins, who had $1.2 million cash on hand in May but enjoys backing from the Republican Senate Leadership Fund, which pledged $44 million for the race [1].
Reflecting on his win, Collins said, "Now it’s time to get to work, defeat Jon Ossoff and take this seat back for the people of this state" [1]. Political analyst Charles Bullock commented on the state’s political environment, stating, "This is not going to be a particularly good year to be a Republican in this state" [1].
The Georgia primary runoff was held on June 16, 2026, consolidating the Republican nominees for two of the state’s key statewide races ahead of the November elections [1].
