Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
16.4%
31.5%
17.6%
Republican
Derek Dooley
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia
Georgia Republican Senate nominee?
$1.2M
JUN 17, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Derek Dooley is trading at 0% to win the Georgia Republican Senate nominee? on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleFootball coach
PartyRepublican
Age58 years old (Jun 10, 1968)
GenderMale
LocationGeorgia
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BackgroundFootball coach
EducationUniversity of Virginia — B.A., Government and Foreign Affairs (1990)
Notable personal detailsDerek Vincent Dooley is an American football coach and attorney who became a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia in the 2026 election cycle. He previously served as head football coach at Louisiana Tech (2007–2009) and the University of Tennessee (2010–2012), and has held assistant coaching roles in college football and the NFL. He played college football at the University of Virginia and later earned a law degree from the University of Georgia.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govdooleyforgeorgia.comen.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgmutigers.comapnews.comde.wikipedia.orgcarrollcountyga.govutsports.comvote-usa.orgtwitter.comfamousbirthdays.comajc.compro-football-history.comrollcall.comlaw.virginia.edugpb.orggeorgiarecorder.comnews.yahoo.comwrdw.comgeorgiademocrat.orgsports.yahoo.comgeorgiatrend.commedia.ethics.ga.govamericanbridgepac.orgpod.wave.cotoxigon.combreakingnownews.comlincolnparishjournal.comfacebook.comc-span.orgnewschannel9.comspectrumlocalnews.comwabe.orgnytimes.comnbcnews.comfox5atlanta.comatlantanewsfirst.com41nbc.comatlantajewishtimes.comabcnews4.comnotus.orggriffindailynews.comkatv.cominkl.comwonderwall.comballotpedia.orgthehill.comdocquery.fec.govcdn.ballotpedia.orgdailypress.senate.govlegislation.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgballotready.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports tax-cutting policies and has expressed support for the Trump administration's tax-and-spending law; his campaign emphasizes pro-growth, pro-business priorities. Specific proposals such as rate changes or new tax programs are not detailed on his campaign site.
Immigration & Border
Supports stronger border security and continuing President Trump’s efforts to secure the border, while acknowledging the role of immigrant labor for Georgia businesses. Positions emphasize enforcement and border control as a top priority rather than expanded asylum or broad regularization measures.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate says abortion policy should be decided by the states and expressed support for President Trump and the Supreme Court’s role on the issue. Public statements do not specify support for federal protections for abortion nor for particular state-level bans or gestational limits.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 30, 2026
Derek Dooley lost the Georgia Republican Senate runoff to Rep. Mike Collins, ending his bid for the party’s nomination. Collins had the backing of Donald Trump, while Dooley was endorsed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. The race drew attention because the winner will challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff in November, but Dooley is no longer in the contest.
fec.gov+54
Articles
WEWashington Examiner1 month ago
Ossoff’s campaign dominance pays off as race shifts in his favor
Negative
AFAugusta Free Press3 months ago
UVA Football alum Derek Dooley loses in Georgia Senate Republican primary
Negative
SMSavannah Morning News3 months ago
Georgia voters head to polls for runoff elections. What to know
Neutral
NNewsweek3 months ago
Mike Collins’ Chances of Beating Derek Dooley After Trump Endorsement
Negative
Latest Polls
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Derek Dooley currently averages 16.4%, ranking third in this race, 1.3 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 16.4%Position: thirdMargin: -1.3 ptsLatest poll: 39.0% (May 26 - 27)Polls included: 17
Average recalculated from polls through May 26 - 27.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising