Mike Collins launches Georgia Senate bid

Rep. Mike Collins Launches Senate Campaign in Georgia

On Monday, Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) officially declared his candidacy for the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, stepping into a competitive GOP primary aimed at unseating Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.

In a spirited announcement, Collins asserted, “We need a Senator who works for Georgia, not the California crazies or New York nutjobs.” This statement, which he shared on X, raises an eyebrow regarding the broader definition of local representation. “I don’t know who Jon Ossoff really works for, but it sure as heck isn’t Georgia,” he continued, positioning himself as the quintessential local advocate against the perceived encroachment of outside influences.

Collins becomes the second Republican to enter the primary race, joining Rep. Buddy Carter. Both candidates are vying for the coveted endorsement of former President Donald Trump, with Collins cleverly incorporating video clips of Trump praising him in his campaign materials. “He loves his state,” Trump is quoted as saying, which—while touching—does not quite illuminate the specifics of Collins’ policy proposals.

A notable highlight of Collins’ legislative record includes sponsoring the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft or burglary. This bill, named after a tragic incident involving a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant in Collins’ district, was the first legislation Trump signed into law during his second term. Its introduction reflects a trend in politics where personal narratives are utilized to shape public policy, albeit often oversimplifying complex immigration issues.

In a curious twist, Collins’ campaign team recently posted a video on X—under the handle @TeamOverhaulGA—which humorously misspelled “Georgia” as “GEORIGA, LET’S RIDE.” This slip could be seen as a nod to Collins’ background as a truck driver, a detail he is eager to leverage as part of his campaign narrative. Perhaps it serves as a reminder that even the most serious political aspirations can come with a dash of human error.

As it stands, Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority in the Senate and are eyeing a favorable landscape in the upcoming midterms. With several potential pickup opportunities in competitive states like Georgia, New Hampshire, and Michigan, the stakes are high for both parties. The dynamics of this race will undoubtedly be influenced by the candidates’ ability to connect with voters on local issues while navigating the broader political currents at play.