Collins Wins Senate Primary, Jackson Defeats Kemp

Mike Collins has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Georgia, securing a victory in Tuesday’s primary that aligns with former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Meanwhile, Rick Jackson defeated incumbent Governor Brian Kemp in the GOP runoff for governor, marking a sharp shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The results confirm Collins’ path to a November showdown with Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock, a race that will determine Georgia’s Senate balance and influence national control of the chamber. According to CNN and The Guardian, Collins’ win solidifies Trump’s influence over the Georgia GOP, as his campaign had actively backed Collins over other primary contenders. In contrast, Jackson’s victory over Kemp—who had previously endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential bid—reflects a broader realignment within the party, where Trump-aligned candidates are increasingly prevailing in key races.

Why does this matter?
Georgia’s Senate race is critical in a narrowly divided U.S. Senate, where Warnock’s seat could shift control to Republicans if Collins wins in November. The state’s governor’s mansion, meanwhile, holds significant sway over state-level policies, including education, infrastructure, and voting laws. Jackson’s victory also signals a potential challenge to Kemp’s political legacy, as the incumbent had been a dominant figure in Georgia politics for over a decade.

How did Collins and Jackson win?
Collins’ primary victory was projected by CNN and The Globe and Mail, with early results showing him leading by a wide margin in key conservative districts. His campaign emphasized opposition to critical race theory in schools and support for restrictive abortion bans, platforms that resonated with Trump’s base. Jackson, meanwhile, overcame Kemp’s well-funded campaign by leveraging grassroots support and Trump’s endorsement, which he secured after Kemp initially resisted aligning with the former president.

What happens next?
With both races now heading to the general election, attention will turn to how Warnock and Kemp respond. Warnock, who has faced criticism from progressive Democrats for his moderate stance on some issues, may need to energize his base to counter Collins’ conservative appeal. Kemp, who has not yet conceded, could face pressure from Trump allies to either endorse Jackson or remain neutral, though his political future in the GOP is now uncertain.

A contrast in outcomes
While Collins’ win aligns with Trump’s national strategy of backing hardline conservative candidates, Jackson’s victory over Kemp underscores the volatility within the Georgia GOP. Kemp’s loss—despite his long tenure and fundraising advantages—highlights how Trump’s influence can override traditional party loyalty. This dynamic mirrors similar upsets in Alabama and Oklahoma, where Trump-backed candidates also secured GOP nominations.

Key figures and dates

• Mike Collins: Projected winner of Georgia’s Republican Senate primary (June 17, 2026).
• Rick Jackson: Winner of Georgia’s GOP governor runoff (June 17, 2026).
• Raphael Warnock: Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator facing Collins in November.
• Brian Kemp: Incumbent Republican governor defeated by Jackson in the runoff.

The results cap a turbulent primary season in Georgia, where Trump’s endorsements have reshaped the state’s political map. With the general election now in sight, both parties will focus on mobilizing their bases in a state that has become a battleground for national control.