Georgia Rep. Mike Collins, who received a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump, is projected to win the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate nomination. The Associated Press made the projection Tuesday night, setting up a high-stakes general election battle against Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff.

With approximately 59% of the vote counted, Collins held a decisive lead over his opponent, Derek Dooley, with 55% to Dooley's 45%. The race was seen as a significant test for the Republican Party in Georgia, particularly concerning the influence of former President Trump versus that of outgoing Governor Brian Kemp.

Collins' victory comes just days after Trump publicly endorsed him, calling the congressman "Highly Respected" and noting his early support for Trump's political movement. This endorsement placed Trump at odds with Governor Kemp, who had thrown his support behind Dooley, a former college football coach and son of a legendary university coach. Kemp, who is term-limited after serving two terms, had campaigned extensively with Dooley.

The outcome of this runoff will determine who challenges Senator Ossoff in November. This race is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched and potentially most expensive Senate contests nationwide in 2026. Democrats view Ossoff's seat as crucial for maintaining their Senate majority, while Republicans consider the Georgia seat a prime opportunity for a pickup.

The endorsement battle highlighted a continuing tension within the Georgia GOP between Trump loyalists and establishment figures. Trump's endorsement of Collins directly challenged Kemp's preferred candidate, Dooley. This dynamic echoes past conflicts between the two powerful Georgia Republicans, notably Kemp's refusal to overturn the 2020 election results, which led to Trump endorsing a challenger against Kemp in a 2022 primary.

The specter of the 2020 election loomed large over Tuesday's runoff. Trump, in his social media endorsement of Collins, specifically criticized Dooley for acknowledging Joe Biden's win in Georgia. Trump reiterated his claim that he "won by a lot" in the state, despite official results and subsequent recounts confirming Biden's victory.

Dooley, who had positioned himself as a political outsider, found himself on the losing end of this ideological divide. His campaign's focus on being a political novice and his acknowledgment of the 2020 election results were points of contention.

With the nomination secured, Collins now faces the considerable task of unseating Senator Ossoff. The general election is expected to draw significant national attention and resources as both parties vie for control of the U.S. Senate.