Georgia Republicans vote in primary runoffs for Senate, governor nominations

Georgia Republicans are heading to the polls Tuesday for primary runoff elections to select their nominees for crucial races, including the U.S. Senate and governor's office. The results will set the stage for the general election contests in November.

In the race for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins faces former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. Ousting Ossoff is a key goal for Republicans aiming to expand their Senate majority. Collins led the initial primary with about 41% of the vote, performing strongly in rural areas and some counties north of Atlanta. Dooley secured about 30% of the vote, with significant support in populous counties like Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb.

The outcome could hinge on the 25% of voters who supported U.S. Rep. Earl "Buddy" Carter in the first primary. Carter's base more closely aligned with Collins's, and both are more closely identified with the "Make America Great Again" movement. Trump endorsed Collins just before the runoff, while outgoing Republican Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed Dooley.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. He led the initial primary with about 38% of the vote, followed by healthcare executive Rick Jackson with about 33%. Kemp also endorsed Jones. Jones's support, like Collins', was strongest in small, rural counties, while Jackson performed well in larger suburban counties around Atlanta.