Georgia Republicans compete for Trump’s coveted endorsement ahead of 2026 primaries

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The 2026 primaries are nine months away. But here in Georgia, many Republican candidates are jockeying for the support of President Trump. 

WRBL News 3’s Chuck Williams talked to many of those who are courting the president for an endorsement.

An endorsement from President Trump can carry significant weight. Just look at the Georgia Third Congressional District. Brian Jack went from a political unknown to a congressman last year. 

The endorsement of President Trump is a coveted political card in Georgia Republican politics. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Raffensperger, Ossoff attend Georgia Chamber Congressional luncheon

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has been an unwavering Trump supporter since 2016. Trump rewarded that loyalty with his endorsement earlier this month. Jones wants to be Georgia’s next governor. 

“Obviously, having the president’s endorsement is big. He is the commander-in-chief. He trusts me because of our long friendship we have. And because I have been dedicated to his mission and his cause. I think having a governor who has the ear of the most powerful person in the world could be very beneficial to the state of Georgia,” Jones said.

While the president has weighed in for the governor’s race, he has not done so in what is becoming a crowded Republican U.S. Senate race for the seat held by Democrat Jon Ossoff. 

Congressman Buddy Carter of East Georgia makes it clear he wants the Trump endorsement to set him apart from a field that already includes former Tennessee football Coach Derek Dooley and Congressman Mike Collins of Jackson. 

When a reporter asked if he wanted Trump’s endorsement, he said:

“Absolutely. We do feel like we will get it sooner rather than later. I tell you, we have supported him. I stood up on Jan. 6 and objected to certifying the Georgia election after I felt like it wasn’t run correctly.” 

Dooley has entered the Senate race with the backing of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and his political apparatus. Ask him now about a Trump endorsement like a reporter did at the Georgia Chamber Congressional luncheon on Wednesday in Columbus.

The reporter asked: “You have not been endorsed by President Trump, have you?”

And Dooley responded: “President Trump has not endorsed anybody at this point.”

The reporter then asks: “Would you welcome that endorsement?”

And Dooley said: “Of course, I would. But the most important endorsement I can get is from the voters of Georgia. Nothing matters more than that.” 

Coming up on WRBL News 3 Sunday Morning, you can see the entire interview with Coach Dooley.

Here’s a sneak peek of the interview for Sunday’s newscast:

RELATED: New president and CEO of Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosts meet-and-greets