Collins Launches Georgia Senate Bid with Trump Praise

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JACKSON, Georgia, Republican Congressman Mike Collins officially announced on Tuesday that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, entering a race that will likely be one of the most competitive contests of the cycle. His campaign launch took place in his hometown of Jackson, a small community south of Atlanta, where Collins first built his political profile.

Collins, who currently represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, told supporters that his campaign will center on mobilizing voters in rural areas and small towns, which have been critical bases of support for Republican candidates in recent statewide elections. He positioned himself as a candidate who would pursue policies that prioritize border enforcement, encourage domestic energy production, and limit the scope of federal regulation on small businesses.

In outlining his platform, Collins said he would continue to support measures consistent with former President Donald Trump’s agenda on trade, energy, and immigration. Although he did not announce endorsements from other Republican leaders, Collins signaled that his campaign would rely heavily on grassroots organization and local outreach efforts.

Much of Collins’ speech focused on contrasting his positions with those of Senator Jon Ossoff, the Democratic incumbent. Ossoff, elected in 2021, has supported major pieces of Democratic legislation in Congress, including pandemic relief measures, infrastructure funding, and climate-related initiatives. Collins argued that these policies have contributed to higher government spending and an expanded federal role, while pledging to pursue alternatives aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and strengthening private sector growth.

The launch event in Jackson was intended to underscore Collins’ ties to his home region, which has played a defining role in his political identity. By highlighting his local background, Collins aimed to connect with voters who remain skeptical of what he described as the concentration of power in Washington.

Political observers note that Georgia has emerged as a decisive battleground in recent national elections, with Senate races in the state attracting widespread attention and record spending. Analysts suggest that Collins’ early entry into the race could help him consolidate support among conservative voters before the Republican field becomes more crowded.

The 2026 Senate elections are expected to be closely contested across the country, with Democrats defending seats in several competitive states. In Georgia, the contest between Collins and Ossoff is likely to draw significant national attention from both parties, given the state’s pivotal role in determining the balance of power in the Senate.

While the full Republican primary field has not yet taken shape, Collins’ announcement establishes him as an early contender in a race that will be closely watched through the next two years.