ATLANTA — Georgia's 2026 Senate race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the nation.

For political junkies, it's already providing reasons to pay attention.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has begun honing his stump speech while the field of Republican contenders hoping to challenge him continues to grow.

The latest entrant in the GOP primary is former University of Tennessee head football coach Derek Dooley .

A newcomer to politics with a famous last name (he's the son of legendary UGA football coach Vince Dooley), he's promised to bring an outsider perspective to Washington if elected.

As part of an extended interview with The Georgia Vote , Dooley described his motivation for entering the race.

"I'm here because I think we need new lead

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