Doug Collins officially bows out of 2022 election cycle
News, State & National April 26, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Ga – Former Ninth District Congressman Doug Collins (R) announced his intentions to not run in 2022 for either the governor or U.S. Senate.
Collins joined a law firm and started his own radio program following his loss in the 2020 primary for retiring Senator Johnny Isakson’s (R) seat. Raphael Warnock (D) went on to win the seat in the January run-off, but it will be up again in 2022 once the term officially expires.
In an online statement, Collins said, “this is goodbye for now, but probably not forever. I do plan on staying involved in shaping our conservative message to help Republicans win back the House and the Senate and help more strong conservative candidates get elected here in Georgia. I believe that we, as conservatives, must be able to clearly communicate our values and I will help keep that fight going.”
I’m announcing today that I will not be a candidate for any office in the next election cycle. Read more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IruVtnjZl7
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) April 26, 2021
The former Representative served the Ninth District from 2013 to 2021 and became a strong supporter of President Donald Trump (R).
Now that Collin’s out of the race, it opens doors for Georgia Republicans who were possibly waiting in the wings for his decision.
Two Republicans have announced intentions to run against Senator Raphael Warnock: military veterans and businessmen Kelvin King and Latham Saddler. President Donald Trump has encouraged UGA hero Hershel Walker to enter the race.
Many speculate Congressman Buddy Carter (R), and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr will enter the Senate race.
As for Governor, Brian Kemp’s up for reelection and many expect Stacey Abrams (D) to run again.
After Kemp denied Trump the opportunity to overturn Georgia’s election results, the former President actively pushed Collins to primary the governor. Trump’s vowed to campaign in Georgia and remove the elected officials who didn’t side with him.
So far, former Democrat Vernon Jones (R) has thrown his hat into the gubernatorial primary ring.
Kemp appeared to win some public support back by signing the election integrity act last month, but it’s unclear how many rural GOP voters will fall in line at the ballot box. According to Republican activist Debbie Dooley, 15 local GOPs “passed resolutions to essentially censure” the governor on April 10 and 17.
Doug Collins still evaluating his 2022 options
BKP Politics, News February 17, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga – Former Congressman Doug Collins didn’t rule out a potential governor or U.S. Senate run in 2022. He confirmed he’s weighing his options and would make a decision in the future.
“I’m concerned about conservatism right now,” Collins expressed. “If that means I need to be on the ballot, I’ll be on the ballot.”
There’s a divide in the Republican party between Trump supporters and those trying to pull away from the embattled former President, especially after January 6.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R – Kentucky) appeared to try to appease both sides by voting to acquit Trump and then condemn his actions in a follow-up speech.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Collins stated that McConnell’s always been about “McConnell and the Senate,” not the America First agenda set forth by Trump. On Tuesday, February 16, Trump responded to McConnell’s speech. In it, he called the minority leader a “dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack” and forewarned Republican candidates that they “will not win again” following McConnell.
“I’m very disheartened, and I think it was disingenuous of McConnell to make [the statement] after the fact. In my mind, it’s hard to say, well, it was unconstitutional, so I just voted to acquit, but then give a scathing speech and op-ed where basically, he said, ‘I hope he gets charged in court. You don’t do that.’” Collins remarked about McConnell’s actions.
The former Congressman commented how he’s talked to people all over the country who are tired of “the work as usual” and want honesty.
“We’ve got to get all Republicans on the same page,” Collins stated. “There has to be a fix here. The President laid out a great vision. We saw a lot of stuff, and now they can’t be well, we don’t like some of what he did, so we’re going to turn and try to do it differently. That’s going to be a hard row.”
President Trump asked Doug Collins if he wanted to run for Governor during one of his rallies for David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. Trump’s made it clear he intends to find someone to primary Kemp after the Governor refused to overturn the election.
Earlier this week, former Senator David Perdue (R – Ga) filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission for a potential 2022 Senate run against Senator Raphael Warnock (D – Ga).
Voter Confidence
Approximately 100,000 voters in the Ninth and Fourteenth Districts stayed home during the January 5 runoff. Many of those voters lost faith in the system.

Doug Collins with President Trump
“You let somebody else talk you out of doing what this Constitution gives you the right to do,” Collins expressed to those who stayed home. He added if those people voted, David Perdue at least would have kept his seat.
On January 5, the top vote earner was Senator Raphael Warnock (R-Ga), the second Republican Public Service Commissioner Bubble McDonald, and Senator Jon Ossoff (R-Ga) came third. Republicans turned out, but the Republican stronghold districts stayed home.
“You can’t tell me that Republicans, if they had just shown up that we couldn’t at least get David over the line,” Collins emphasized. “If you did not vote on [January 5] because you let somebody else talk you out of it, I can’t help you.”
He understood that people feel disgruntled after the General Election, but they need to focus and get their heads back in the game.
However, Collins believes that Georgia Republicans need Trump to win in the state. The party needs to find candidates who can win and effectively get the message out.
“We’ll have an advantage because Joe Biden is frankly so bad, and the House and Senate have shown their true colors. We’re going to have plenty to run against, but if we have people who won’t vote, it’s going to be a problem,” the former Congressman stated.
Collins ended the interview by telling listeners to look out for information soon about his future apart from running for office.
https://youtu.be/UgnSFR8n5J0Clyde & Gurtler Debate LIVE July 17th 8pm on FYNTv.com
Featured, Featured News, News July 17, 2020
Watch Georgia’s 9th Congressional District Republican Debate LIVE FYNTv.com!



Devin Nunes Endorses Doug Collins for Georgia Senate
Election 2020, Press Release February 28, 2020
“I’m honored to endorse my good friend, Georgia Congressman Doug Collins, for the U.S. Senate,” said Nunes. “A strong conservative, Doug was a bold leader in the battle against the Russia collusion hoax and the sham impeachment against President Trump. Doug is a fighter, and we need more of those in the U.S. Senate. Please join me in supporting Doug Collins for U.S. Senate in Georgia.”
House Intelligence Committee Hero calls Doug “bold leader in the battle against the Russia collusion hoax and the sham impeachment against President Trump.”
“I shared a very small foxhole with Devin Nunes for a very long time and I know his character,” Collins said. “That’s why his endorsement means so much to me personally. He’s a great American patriot who stood firm against the worst the D.C. Swamp could throw at him. I’m honored to have his support. ”
Rep. Gurtler on decision to seek U.S. Congressional seat
Election, News February 14, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – State House Representative Matt Gurtler spoke with FYN CEO Brian Pritchard in a live FYNTV interview, Feb.13, on the state budget cuts, related HB 4, and his announcement to run for the 9th Congressional District seat vacated by U.S. Senate-seeking Representative Doug Collins.
Gurtler, who is running on a platform of limited government, free markets, and individual liberty, said that the decision to run for U.S. Congress did not come lightly, and reached through deliberation and prayer. “We looked at the State Senate seat, we looked at the Congressional seat and had an opportunity to go up to Washington D.C. to meet with the conservative leaders in the House and also the Senate, and theses individuals and individuals reaching out to me across the District really encouraged me to run,” Gurtler said. “They’ve been watching me, and that I’ve been standing up to the powers that be, and the insiders in Atlanta and the special interests and the bloated budgets, and so it was sort of flattering that they noticed me there. And so we came back, and me and my family prayed, and we made the decision for Congress. We feel that we have a lot of support around the District. We’re going to work our tail off. We’re going to put tens of thousands of miles on the car again and wear the soles out on our feet and just bring the message of limited government to a wider audience, and a national audience if we are elected, so that we can really educate people.”
Gurtler said that members of the House and Senate voiced a need for “revolutionaries” to educate people on a national level, specifically against socialism. The State House Representative, who was in Washington D.C. during the telephone interview, divulged that he met with the Young Americans for Liberty, Freedom Caucus, and Club for Growth – an organization that is spending millions to fight Congressman Doug Collins in the U.S. Senate race.
Gurtler added that he received an endorsement from Kentucky Senator Rand Paul.
The 8th District representative later shared his support for the Second Amendment in a social media post. “Our founders understood the right of self-defense is a natural and God-given right,” Gurtler wrote. “Red Flag laws and gun confiscation legislation like we see in Virginia, are dangerous to the principles of a free society and go against our constitutional rights. I will stand up for our 2nd Amendment rights in Washington DC just as I have done from day one at the State Capitol these past 4 years.”
Continue to follow FYN for local, state, and national campaign coverage as the May 19 primary election approaches.
Gurtler indecisive on which seat to seek
Election, News February 3, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Matt Gurtler, the 8th District State House Representative, issued a statement to FYN on Feb. 2, remaining seemingly indecisive on his next political move.
“I am considering a run and weighing my options for the 9th Congressional or the 50th State Senate seat,” Gurtler told FYN. “It is very rare for both seats to open up like this at the same time and is something we did not expect. My family and I are praying about this very important decision. Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement these past several days. Whatever we decide to do and whatever seat I run for, I will continue to fight the establishment and defend our Constitution.”
With qualifying drawing near, Gurtler has a mere month to decide whether to attempt the retention of his 8th District seat or seek candidacy elsewhere. Qualification takes place during the first week of March, with the primary election set for Tuesday, May 19.
The 9th Congressional seat opened as a result of United States Representative Doug Collins’ aim toward the Georgia Senate. The 50th State Senate office opened following Senator John Wilkinson’s decision to seek the seat vacated by Collins.
Click to read: Who is eyeing Collins’ Congressional seat
Gurtler, the 8th District incumbent, has been challenged in the State House race by Stan Gunter. Gurtler was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2016, serving Towns, Rabun, Union, and portions of White counties. As of Wednesday, Gunter stated that he expects Gurtler to remain in the race, “anticipating (Gurtler) to qualify for (District 8) and be in the race in March.”
Gurtler declined an FYNTV.com interview prior to reaching a decision.
The 9th Congressional District consists of Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White and portions of Clarke, Forsyth, and Pickens counties. The 50th Senatorial District includes Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.
Continue to follow FYN for political coverage as 2020 election developments occur.
Collins Praises Isakson Legacy
Announcements, Politics August 29, 2019David Cooper feels he can reach across party lines and defeat Doug Collins
Election 2018, News, Politics April 20, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – David Cooper will face off against Josh McCall for Georgia’s 9th congressional district seat Democratic nomination. The winner of the May General Primary will then run against Republican incumbent Congressman Doug Collins in the November General Election.
Collins has held the Georgia 9th Congressional District seat since 2013.
Cooper stopped by the Fannin County Democratic meeting to share with Fannin County residents why he feels that he is the best man for the job.
“I am soldier. I have served in the forces that have guarded this country and our way of life, and I am prepared to serve again,” Cooper introduced himself.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, Cooper has also had a career working various levels of government and is currently retired from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During his employment with the EPA, Cooper worked in hazardous waste clean up and also worked in commercializing green options, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
Because of his background, Cooper feels that he can reach a wide audience: “I speak the language of patriotism and sacrifice. I speak the language of compassion and selfless service. I speak the language of public participation, cost effective regulation and legislation.”
“It is not about giving a speech. It’s not about making a list of here’s my issues, and wouldn’t it be cool if we could do these things. That is what every politician is taught to do,” Cooper said, explaining he wants to see real accomplishments.
“I am an unconventional candidate, and I will be running an unconventional campaign,” Cooper noted, adding that unlike his opponent, McCall, he would in fact seek to sway Republican voters. “I have the skills and experience to have those conversations.”
Cooper is convinced that there is no such thing as a single-issue voter and is confident that he can find common ground and common values among all residents of Georgia’s 9th District.
Cooper summarized his beliefs and his platform into three key elements, with the first being a need to “save democracy”. He feels this can be accomplished by stopping fake news, ensuring clean elections, and implementing term limits.
His second stance is to “protect what we hold dear.” Cooper cited a few areas that deserve our attention and care, with these being social security, medicare, women’s rights, the environment, veterans, and small businesses.
Cooper labeled his final stance as “progress for the future.” He would like to see steps made toward universal health care, common sense gun control, clean energy, fair taxes and affordable education.
“Not free education,” Cooper pointed out, “until we can get healthcare for everybody, don’t talk to me about free education.”
Locally, Cooper would like to work to support small businesses, citing that they are uniquely numerous in our area due to the tourism industry. He feels that one way to promote this would be to “energize the Small Business Administration to do more to support and provide more outreach.”
“That’s how we keep the Georgia 9th vibrant, keep these small businesses going,” Cooper added.
“Collins should not be making rules for anyone,” Cooper spoke of his Republican opponent. “His loyalties are not with the people.”
In the General Primary, Cooper said the focus should not be about himself running against McCall, but instead he advised the crowd, “You need to pick the person who can beat Doug Collins and who has a plan.”
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House Judiciary Leaders Announce Committee Roster
Politics, State & National January 25, 2019
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Media Update: Collins Hosts Veterans Benefits Fair
State & National January 19, 2018Collins Hosts Veterans Benefits Fair
WASHINGTON—Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) is hosting a benefits fair for veterans residing in Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District on January 24. United States military veterans are invited to attend the event at the University of North Georgia, where they can ask questions and meet caseworkers from Collins’s office.
Representatives from the Atlanta Regional Veterans Affairs Office, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Georgia National Cemetery, Georgia Department of Veterans Service, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, and Hire Heroes USA will also participate in the event.
Additional details are available below.
Gainesville Students to Attend Air Force and Naval Academies
State & National January 9, 2018Gainesville Students to Attend Air Force and Naval Academies
GAINESVILLE, Ga.—Two students from northeast Georgia have been offered admission to a U.S. military academy. Cameron Sturdivant will join the class of 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Chase Nufer will attend the U.S. Naval Academy.
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) nominated these students to the military academies because of their integrity and track record of accomplishment in the community.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Cameron and Chase, who have dedicated themselves to servant leadership roles early in life. I look forward to their success in Colorado Springs and Annapolis as they reflect the strong character of northeast Georgia,” said Collins.
Sturdivant is the son of Ms. Chere Rucker. He attends Gainesville High School and is following in the footsteps of his brother, Mr. Donovan Moss, who is currently a senior at the Air Force Academy.
Nufer, son of Mr. Peter & Ms. Heidi Nufer, is the captain of the baseball team at Forsyth Central High School and a member of the National Honor Society.
President Trump Signs NDAA, Collins TRICARE Language into Law
State & National December 13, 2017
President Trump Signs NDAA, Collins TRICARE Language into Law
“PBMs keep their operations in the shadows in order to take advantage of patients and taxpayers. I worked to have this language included as part of the NDAA to help America’s service members and their families get the medicines they need while keeping drug prices appropriately competitive for patients and taxpayers under the TRICARE program.”
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump today signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. The NDAA included language authored by Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) to require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to update their MAC pricing lists every seven days so that those lists reflect market prices accurately.
Without this provision, PBMs routinely wait weeks and months to update the MAC reimbursement lists, enabling them to underpay pharmacies and overcharge TRICARE.
“PBMs keep their operations in the shadows in order to take advantage of patients and taxpayers. I worked to have this language included as part of the NDAA to help America’s service members and their families get the medicines they need while keeping drug prices appropriately competitive for patients and taxpayers under the TRICARE program,” said Collins.
Collins’s provision can be found in section 714 of the NDAA and took effect immediately upon becoming law.