Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley on Monday launched a campaign for Senate in Georgia, joining a crowded Republican field.

Dooley, who is from Athens, Ga., and whose father, Vince Dooley, was head coach at the University of Georgia, joins the primary field of potential challengers to Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in one of the most-watched contests of 2026.

“To me, the only thing that’s important is the people of Georgia are proud of who’s representing them in Washington, D.C.,” Dooley said in his announcement video . “President Trump campaigned on things, and he’s turning them into results.”

Republican Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins have already declared their candidacy, with other Republicans also considering running. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has decline

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