Derek Dooley, 57, former University of Tennessee football coach, launched his 2026 Republican campaign for U.S. Senate in Georgia on Monday, challenging Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Backed by Gov. Brian Kemp, Dooley aims to unseat Ossoff, seen as the most vulnerable Democrat up for reelection.

In a launch video, Dooley slammed “professional politicians” like Ossoff for border chaos, inflation, and “woke stuff.” “We need new leadership in Georgia,” he said.

Dooley, teasing a bid since June, earned Kemp’s endorsement after the governor declined to run. Republicans view his outsider status as key to flipping the competitive seat in the 2026 midterms.