Donald Trump has yet to pick a side in Georgia's Republican primary battle to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, leaving two major candidates in limbo as they compete for his blessing.
The race features Representative Mike Collins and Derek Dooley, a former football coach, both seeking the GOP nomination. In a state where Trump's endorsement can move primary voters, the former president's silence has become a notable absence on the campaign trail.
Trump's hold on Republican primary politics in Georgia remains potent after his central role in the state's elections and his support for certain candidates in previous cycles. An endorsement from him could reshape the dynamics of this matchup, giving momentum to whichever candidate he backs.
Collins brings his congressional record to the table, while Dooley's outsider candidacy appeals to voters seeking a fresh face outside traditional politics. Both are positioning themselves as the stronger challenger to Ossoff, who won his seat in 2020 and is a key Democratic target heading into the next election cycle.
The question of Trump's endorsement looms over the primary as candidates seek ways to distinguish themselves in a crowded political landscape. With his track record of moving primary races in Georgia, his eventual decision could prove decisive in determining which Republican emerges as the nominee.
Until Trump makes his choice, Collins and Dooley will continue their own campaigns, each betting they can prove themselves the most viable option without his public support.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Trump's late-game endorsement plays have upended primaries before, and Georgia Republicans are clearly holding their breath to see which way this breaks."
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