Derek Dooley’s impact on Georgia’s Senate race | On the Record with Atlanta News First

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia’s nationally watched U.S. Senate race in the 2026 midterms has an unconventional candidate with a legendary name.

A longtime collegiate and NFL football coach, and the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, Derek Dooley is challenging Georgia’s current U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, for his seat in 2026. He’s joined in the race by Republican congressmen Mike Collins of Georgia’s 10th district and Buddy Carter of the state’s 1st district.

Dooley was endorsed Saturday by Gov. Brian Kemp before UGA’s college football season opener in Athens.

During this week’s episode of On The Record With Atlanta News First, Dooley spoke with Atlanta News First political reporter Doug Reardon about his campaign.

Also in this week’s episode:

• The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is again at the center of a political firestorm.
• Democrats on the Fulton County board of commissioners continue refusing to approve two Republicans to the county’s election board.
• Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook will sue President Donald Trump’s administration to try to prevent him from firing her, her lawyer said Tuesday.

On The Record is a weekly political show hosted by Atlanta News First anchor Rick Folbaum and Reardon. It airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. on Atlanta News First.

The program, which can also be seen on Atlanta News First’s website and all of its streaming and podcasting platforms, features extensive interviews with Atlanta’s and Georgia’s most influential political leaders, newsmakers and analysts.

In 2026, Georgia’s nationally watched gubernatorial and congressional elections could set the tone for the U.S. midterm elections. On The Record features interviews from both Republican and Democratic candidates for every major office.

And just like 2016, 2020 and 2024, Georgia will once again be a key state in the 2028 presidential election, with red and blue power brokers lobbying the swing state, which is often a direct way to the White House.

Atlanta News First and Atlanta News First+ provide you with the latest news, headlines and insights as Georgia continues its role at the forefront of the nation’s political scene. Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest political news and information.

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