President Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP is being put to the test in high-stakes Republican runoffs in Georgia and Alabama. Trump-endorsed candidates are competing in closely watched Senate and gubernatorial nominations in these states.
Georgia Runoffs
In Georgia, Trump has endorsed Rep. Mike Collins, a strong supporter of the president, in the Senate race. Collins is facing off against former college football coach Derek Dooley, who has the support of popular conservative Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
Collins said of Trump’s endorsement, ‘It’s an honor to have that endorsement. It just shows that he has confidence that we know how to win this race, we know we’re in the lead in this thing.’ Dooley, on the other hand, stated that Trump’s backing of his rival ‘doesn’t change how I feel.’
Alabama Runoffs
In Alabama, Trump is supporting Rep. Barry Moore in the Senate runoff. Moore is facing off against former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson in the race to succeed Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
The power of a Trump endorsement is also being tested in Georgia’s gubernatorial nomination runoff, where Trump has backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Jones is battling billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, who has spent over $100 million of his own money on his campaign.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
