Gov. Brian Kemp will promote Derek Dooley‘s bid to dislodge Democrat Jon Ossoff from the U.S. Senate by appearing with the Republican candidate Saturday before the University of Georgia game against Marshall University at Sanford Stadium.
The football coach and son of legendary Bulldogs coach and athletic director Vince Dooley formally entered the GOP primary in early August after floating the idea in June.
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-St. Simons, was the first major political figure to jump into the race followed by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Jackson.
Both have voting records aligned with President Donald Trump and his supporters, and Democrats have attacked them for it.
Dooley, a political newcomer, has no such record. So Democrats have been targeting his mainstream marketing, with Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey labeling him as a “failed and fired” former coach for the University of Tennessee.
Kemp, who is among a handful of politicians authorized by a 2021 state law to operate a “leadership committee” that can raise unlimited sums, will play on the popularity of Georgia football to help Dooley.
A spokesperson for Kemp said the governor will stand with Dooley while tailgating ahead of Saturday’s game. It will be their first public speaking engagement together for Dooley’s Senate campaign.
