As early voting starts, GOP Senate hopefuls make appeals to Georgia voters, spar with each other

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Jackson, second left, speaks at the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young primary election debate for the U.S. Senate at Georgia Public Broadcasting, Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Midtown Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Five men seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff shared a debate stage Sunday, each seeking to distinguish himself to Georgia voters.

The frontrunners are Congressman Mike Collins, Congressman Buddy Carter and former football coach Derek Dooley. Jonathan McColumn, a pastor and retired brigadier general in the U.S. Army reserve, and real estate developer John Coyne were also at the debate.

Early voting starts Monday for the May 19 primaries, which will determine the Democratic and Republican party candidates up and down the ballot in November’s general election.