Jan 29, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Doug Collins confirms Georgia Senate run, triggering GOP battle

Fadel Allassan

Doug Collins touching his forehead. — Rep. Doug Collins. Photo: Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images

Georgia Rep. Doug Collins told "Fox & Friends" Wednesday he will challenge Sen. Kelly Loeffler, another Republican, for her seat in the state's election this year.

Why it matters: Collins' announcement has "sparked an intraparty Republican brawl between a top defender of President Trump and a business executive who was appointed to the post by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp," the Washington Post writes.

The state of play: Loeffler was appointed to her seat last year.

Georgia's special election will not include a primary, so multiple candidates from both parties can participate. If state Democrats support a single candidate, they could take advantage of a possible split among Republicans, the Post writes.
The winner will complete the remainder of former Sen. Johnny Isakson's term. The Republican retired last year with two years left to serve.

What he's saying: Collins said he is unconcerned that his entry could split the party during his Fox appearance.

“We just need to have a process that lets people decide. ... I look forward to an exchange of ideas, and I look forward to the election.”

Go deeper: Kemp picks GOP donor Kelly Loeffler to fill Georgia Senate seat, defying Trump

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Rep. Doug Collins confirms Georgia Senate run, triggering GOP battle

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