CLARKESVILLE — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Derek Dooley campaigned in Northeast Georgia on Thursday alongside Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, drawing a crowd to Crossroads Cafe in Clarkesville as the race continues to center on undecided GOP voters and early messaging battles in a competitive primary.
The stop in Habersham County, his second of the campaign, marked one of several across the region as part of Dooley’s “Georgia First Tour,” which has featured repeated appearances by Kemp and a focus on rural voters and conservative economic priorities.
The visit included endorsements, campaign messaging on Washington gridlock and a series of questions from reporters during a pre-event gaggle.
Anderson endorses Dooley, cites electability
State Rep. Victor Anderson opened the program with a surprise endorsement of Dooley, saying he reached the decision after conversations with all three Republican candidates.
Speaking with Now Georgia following the campaign event, Anderson said, “With Derek, you don’t have the questions, you don’t have the vulnerabilities that you do with the others. I think he is going to be our best option to beat John Ossoff.”
Rogers praises Kemp’s leadership in introduction
Former state Rep. Terry Rogers introduced Gov. Kemp, briefly highlighting his leadership style and tenure in office.
“We’re very blessed in the state of Georgia because we have a great team at the helm,” Rogers said. “Marty and Brian Kemp hit the ground running when he was first elected in 2018, and it’s been a joint effort ever since.”
Rogers said Kemp’s approach to governance and teamwork has been central to the state’s recent direction.
Kemp emphasizes outsider message, undecided voters
Kemp told attendees voters are still weighing their choices in the Senate race and are looking for a different approach in Washington.
“I have very strong belief it’s going to take a political outsider to beat John Ossoff in this race,” Kemp said. “People are looking for a different kind of leader to go to Washington, D.C.”
He said undecided voters are still searching for the right candidate to change how Washington operates.
Dooley leans on coaching background, outsider framing
Dooley opened his remarks by thanking Kemp and reflecting on their long-standing relationship.
“I’ve been fortunate to travel around the state with the greatest governor in my lifetime and the First Lady,” Dooley said.
He tied his campaign to lessons from his 28-year coaching career, saying leadership is about serving others and building teams.
“At some point serious leadership would get in a room… and keep the ball moving forward,” Dooley said. “That’s not happening.”
Economic concerns and inflation focus
Dooley pointed to inflation and federal spending when asked about rising gas prices.
“We have a 40-year high inflation from the last administration that we’re all dealing with,” he said. “We’ve got to stop this government spending addiction.”
Kemp added that Georgia has focused on affordability through tax cuts and rebates.
“We’re sending tax refund checks back to people for the fourth year in a row,” Kemp said.
Now Georgia question on undecided voters
Responding to a Now Georgia question about a large share of undecided Republican voters, Dooley said cost of living is central but argued the deeper issue is congressional dysfunction.
“Congress is not working for the people the way it used to,” Dooley said. “We need a different kind of leadership up there.”
Kemp echoed that sentiment, saying voters are still evaluating their options.
“The longer this race has gone, the better it’s gotten,” Kemp said.
Dooley avoids direct leadership comparison
Asked whether Senate Majority Leader John Thune represents the type of leadership he would align with, Dooley said the main goal is who will represent Georgia.
“I’m just talking about what’s representing our state right now in the Senate, and that’s what I’m focused on is winning this election, to get a different kind of leader representing our state, and then that’ll build from there, Dooley said.”
Outsider message continues
Dooley closed by urging supporters to engage in the primary and help mobilize turnout.
“We’ve got to show up in this primary to get the right candidate,” he said.
