As government shutdown rages on, it becomes a campaign issue in the Georgia Senate race

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia will be home to one of the most contentious Senate races in the midterms- as Senator Jon Ossoff is the only Democratic senator in a state Trump won in 2024, who’s up for reelection.

One of the biggest questions about this race; who will win the Republican primary?

We heard from several of those candidates Tuesday. 

Congressman Buddy Carter is looking to move over to the other chamber, and he’s facing competition from within Congress and some non-traditional politicians.

One of those is Derek Dooley, the former head coach of the University of Tennessee football team.

Dooley, who’s been endorsed by Governor Brian Kemp, spoke on a panel in Savannah Tuesday, discussing the economy and tourism in the State of Georgia.

We caught up with him after that, we also spoke with Congressman Carter, asking each of them what sets them apart from each other, and Congressman Mike Collins, who’s running as a Republican in that Senate race, as well.

Watch full interviews below:

Conversations with Congressman Carter

Rep. Carter, seeking to transition from the House to the Senate, emphasized his unwavering support for former President Donald Trump during a recent interview.

“I’m the one who has supported President Trump, and I’m the one who can support him and his America First policies in the Senate. I’ve done it in the House. I did it through the first four years that he was in office. I’ve done it for the last nine months that he’s been in office. I’ll continue to do it when I get over to the Senate, and that’s very important,” said Rep. Carter.

Dooley is ‘not a typical politician’

Dooley, who has secured an endorsement from Gov. Brian Kemp, spoke at a panel discussion in Savannah on Monday focusing on Georgia’s economy and tourism. The former football coach is marketing himself as an alternative to traditional politicians.

“I’m not a typical politician. If you’re happy with what’s going on in DC politics at the Congressional level, then I’m probably not your guy. I think too many people are going up there, spending too much time up there not getting enough done, making too much money, and they’re really more  concerned about their political career than serving the people of Georgia. So I want to go up there and put the people of Georgia first,” said candidate Derek Dooley.

Republican Congressman Mike Collins on reaching across the aisle

Republican Congressman Mike Collins- also running for Ossoff’s seat- saying he prides himself on being able to reach across the aisle, but says he won’t pass what Democrats are asking for in the stopgap bill.

“That’s not anywhere near bipartisan, and it’s not what this bill is. This is just a funding bill to keep our government running,” said Rep. Collins.