Standing alongside Derek Dooley at the University of Georgia’s home football opener, Governor Brian Kemp formally endorsed the former football coach’s campaign for U.S. Senate on Saturday. The event took place near the stadium where Dooley’s father, Vince Dooley, is remembered as a legendary coach.
Kemp publicly explained his decision to support Dooley over more experienced Republican candidates in the race to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. “We need a candidate that can stay focused on that record,” Kemp said, referring to Ossoff’s support for President Joe Biden. “And not have to worry about defending their own.”
He added: “Long before I ever knew Derek might be interested in something like this, that I thought this race was really suited for a political outsider. I didn’t know who that was going to be, but we know who that is now, and Derek has my full support.”
The endorsement marks the first time Kemp and Dooley have campaigned together in public. The choice of location highlighted Dooley’s ties to Georgia football and his family legacy. Addressing supporters, Dooley criticized Ossoff: “What’s amazing is that he wants to be our quarterback for the next six years,” he said. “And where I come from, when you deliver results like that, your ass goes on the bench.”
Dooley has emphasized his background in sports rather than politics as he begins his campaign with this major event at the game against Marshall University. However, other Republican contenders such as U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins have questioned whether his coaching experience qualifies him for office and have pointed out his losing record at Tennessee.
Collins’ campaign has been particularly vocal, launching a website mocking Dooley’s coaching tenure and promoting a “Dawgs for Mike” group featuring images of Dooley in Tennessee colors.
Senator Ossoff has focused on campaigning around opposition to key priorities of former President Donald Trump while also calling for pragmatic approaches in politics.
Governor Kemp is offering more than just an endorsement; he is actively supporting Dooley’s bid with political resources. On a call with donors Friday, Kemp expressed concern that Carter or Collins would struggle against Ossoff in the general election.
“Another congressman from a heavily Republican district with a congressional voting record isn’t going to work,” Kemp told supporters. He described Dooley as someone who “can connect with people” and bring new ideas to Washington.
“While he may not have a political background, he has been tested more than most,” Kemp said.
Other Senate candidates also attended Saturday’s game to meet voters among thousands of fans in Athens. Football events remain important venues for Georgia politicians seeking visibility and connection with constituents.
Past campaigns have similarly used football games for outreach; Democrat Jason Carter visited Bulldogs fans during his 2014 gubernatorial run, while Florida Governor Jeb Bush made appearances at Georgia games during his presidential campaign tour in 2015. Herschel Walker leveraged his football fame during his 2022 Senate bid.
Sometimes these appearances draw criticism; in 2018 Democrats flew a banner over Sanford Stadium accusing Kemp of secretly supporting Tennessee during one of his rallies.
Saturday’s event went smoothly as Kemp and Dooley mingled with tailgaters before kickoff. “To beat an incumbent U.S. senator is not easy,” Kemp said. “But we know there’s a path to do it. And we got the guy who can do it. If we didn’t, I wouldn’t be standing right here.”
