Trump Endorses Ossoff Challenger Who Is Extreme Even by MAGA Standards

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) in the Georgia GOP Senate runoff, calling him the preferred candidate of 'Highly Respected MAGA Patriots.' Trump criticized Collins’ opponent, Derek Dooley, for refusing to promote the false claim that Trump won Georgia in 2020, despite evidence showing Joe Biden’s victory. The runoff, taking place on December 10, will determine who faces Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) in the general election. Collins has repeatedly faced backlash for controversial statements, including blaming Biden for the July 2024 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was injured. He falsely claimed Biden 'sent the orders' and urged charges against the former president for 'inciting assassination.' Collins also faced scrutiny for hiring staffers linked to violent acts or white nationalist groups, as well as for his own history of Islamophobic, antisemitic, and racist social media posts. Dooley, a former NFL coach with no prior political experience, admitted he did not vote in the 2016 or 2020 elections but now seeks the Senate seat. Collins, a 2022 House member, embraces controversy, often amplifying conspiracy theories and far-right rhetoric. His posts frequently draw comparisons to 'the darkest parts of the MAGA-sphere,' according to critics, including the *Wall Street Journal*, which warned his influence risks giving falsehoods credibility. Collins leads in polls ahead of the runoff, despite his divisive record. His campaign has faced recent scrutiny over staffing choices, including a chief of staff accused of violent acts and another tied to a white nationalist group chat. Collins dismisses criticism as enthusiasm for 'memes,' but his rhetoric has drawn alarm from conservative and mainstream outlets alike. The winner of the runoff will advance to a January general election against Ossoff, with Collins’ far-right alignment and Trump’s endorsement shaping the race’s tone. Dooley’s lack of political experience contrasts with Collins’ aggressive, online-first campaign style, setting up a clash between traditional conservatism and the more extreme MAGA faction.