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Georgia Republicans Anxious as Primary Race Delays Focus on Ossoff Challenge
Georgia Republicans are growing increasingly anxious as their party’s primary race drags on, preventing them from uniting behind a single candidate to challenge Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. While Ossoff builds a formidable war chest and advances his campaign messaging, three Republican contenders continue battling for their party’s nomination ahead of the May 19 primary.
The situation in Georgia appears increasingly likely to mirror the recent Republican primary in Texas, where Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed for a costly runoff that could drain resources needed in more competitive races nationwide. Former President Donald Trump’s reluctance to endorse a candidate in either state has allowed these internal party contests to continue unresolved.
“I’d like to have as many days as I can to focus the public’s attention on the choice between our nominee and Sen. Ossoff,” said Georgia Republican Party Chair Josh McKoon. “Assuming that President Trump does not weigh in, it seems like it is more likely than not that we will have a runoff.”
The three major Republican contenders—Representatives Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, along with former football coach Derek Dooley—have all positioned themselves as staunch Trump allies, each claiming to be the best candidate to support the former president’s agenda in Washington. Political observers believe Trump could almost certainly determine the primary winner with an endorsement, but he has shown no indication of getting involved in the Georgia race.
Faith & Freedom Coalition chairman Ralph Reed described Trump’s endorsement as “the gold standard of the party” and “the strongest endorsement I’ve ever seen in my career.” The competition for Trump’s approval has become a central focus of the primary campaign.
Ossoff, meanwhile, has seized on this dynamic to frame the Republican primary as a contest to become “Donald Trump’s puppet,” as he stated in a recent speech at Georgia’s capitol. The first-term Democrat has built a commanding financial advantage, reporting over $25.5 million in cash on hand—dwarfing the combined resources of his potential Republican challengers. Collins currently has $2.3 million, Dooley $2.1 million, and Carter $4.2 million, with Carter’s total including significant personal funds.
The extended primary fight has raised alarms among Republican strategists. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, warned last month that the crowded primary field could ultimately lead to a general election loss in Georgia.
“We need to get it down to one candidate as soon as possible,” Scott told The Washington Examiner. “And if we are able to do so, we have a chance to be successful there. But as long as we have three candidates, it’s going to be tougher for us.”
Republican strategist Stephen Lawson, an ally of Collins, expressed concern that “Ossoff continues every day going unscathed” while Republicans focus on each other. “I do think there has to be some sense of urgency on settling on a candidate and clearing the field sooner rather than later,” he added.
Each Republican candidate brings different strengths and potential vulnerabilities to the race. Collins has secured numerous endorsements within the state and backing from the influential conservative advocacy group Club for Growth. However, he faces an ethics complaint alleging improprieties in his congressional office. Carter, a political fixture in southeast Georgia, has positioned himself as a “MAGA warrior” without “any baggage,” advocating for expanded immigration enforcement in the state.
Despite the current financial disparity, McKoon expressed confidence that Republican donors would rally behind the eventual nominee and help close the funding gap with Ossoff.
Trump’s endorsement record in Georgia has been mixed in recent years. In 2021, his endorsed candidates David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler lost to Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in crucial Senate runoffs. The following year, Warnock defeated Trump-backed football star Herschel Walker.
Carter speculated that Trump might be hesitant to endorse in this race because both he and Collins currently serve in the House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. “The president really is probably going to sit this one out,” Carter suggested.
According to Reed, Trump prioritizes backing candidates who can win. “The only thing that drives Trump more than finding candidates that are loyal both philosophically and personally is identifying and getting behind candidates that can win,” Reed said. “He wants to win.”
As the primary date approaches, Republican candidates must not only convince voters they align with Trump’s vision but also persuade the former president himself that they represent the party’s best chance for victory in November.
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7 Comments
Interesting to see the Republican primaries dragging on in both Texas and Georgia. It will be crucial for the party to unite behind a strong nominee if they want to fend off the Democratic challengers. Trump’s reluctance to endorse a candidate could prove costly.
I’m curious to see how the Republican primary situation in Georgia plays out and whether Trump will get involved. A drawn-out internal battle is not ideal, but having a united front against Ossoff could be the key to victory. The party will need to find a way to resolve this quickly.
The Republican primaries in Texas and Georgia seem to be creating some unwanted distractions that could benefit the Democrats. Party unity will be crucial, and Trump’s endorsement could be a game-changer. But if the primaries drag on, it may be an uphill battle for the GOP in these key Senate races.
The situation in Georgia is definitely worth watching. The Republican primary seems to be creating some internal divisions, but if the party can get its act together and present a united front, they may still have a chance of taking down Ossoff. Trump’s endorsement could be a game-changer, but the party will need to move fast.
While the Republican infighting in Georgia is concerning, I think it’s important to remember that these primary battles can sometimes strengthen the eventual nominee. If the party emerges united, they may be in a better position to take on Ossoff.
It’s a tricky situation for Georgia Republicans, with the drawn-out primary preventing them from uniting behind a single candidate to take on Ossoff. Trump’s influence will be key, but his hesitation to endorse could prolong the infighting and hurt the party’s chances.
The Georgia Senate race is shaping up to be another battleground, with the Republican primary delaying the party’s ability to focus on the general election against Ossoff. This kind of internal strife often benefits the Democrats, so the GOP will need to get its act together quickly.