Observers astounded after Trump-backed candidate wins red state Senate primary

Political analysts and observers were astounded on Tuesday night after one of the candidates President Donald Trump backed in the Georgia Republican Senate primary race won.

Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) defeated Republican Derek Dooley, a former football coach, in the red state's primary on Tuesday night. That puts Collins in line to face off against Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) for his seat in November. The race is expected to be one of the most contentious Senate battles in the country, according to some experts.

Collins has been embroiled in multiple scandals throughout his political career. Recently, he's been accused of using campaign funds to pay an intern who performed no work duties for him, and a social media account tied to Collins posted a derogatory remark about Dooley's wife, according to reports.

Analysts and observers reacted to Collins's win on social media, with some noting that it might elevate Ossoff's chances in November.

"The chaotic and bruising Republican primary exposed Mike Collins’ record: stripping Georgians of their health care to give tax breaks to billionaires, capitulating to Trump while Georgia families pay the price, and facing a bipartisan Congressional ethics investigation for misusing taxpayer dollars," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) posted on X. "In November, Georgians will reject Collins’ scandals and harmful agenda and send Senator Ossoff back to the Senate."

"It’s Georgia so there are no statewide Dem blowouts, but Ossoff starts off as the clear favorite against Collins," Adam Carlson, CEO of Zenith Polls, posted on X.

"Jon Ossoff smiles," independent news creator Chris Cillizza posted on X.

"Jon might win by 5 or 6 points at this rate. But he won’t do less than 4," political writer Zaid Jilani posted on X. "Collins is a bigot and nepo baby. And he has a mullet in the Lords Year of 2026. Zero crossover appeal with independents and moderates. It’s done."