ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Derek Dooley - a longtime friend of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp who has never before run for political office - wants to become the state’s next U.S. senator.

Dooley launched his bid on Monday to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff, whose seat national GOP leaders are hoping to flip to Republican control in the 2026 midterm elections.

“Professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem,” Dooley said in his ad that was released at the time of his announcement. “Lawlessness, open season on the boarder, inflation everywhere, woke stuff, that’s what they represent. We need new leadership in Georgia. That’s why I’m running for Senate.”

Dooley enters a nationally watched political contest that has taken on a completely different look over the last several weeks.

See Full Page