Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs give Republican voters a second chance to choose the better nominee in several important races. Some of these endorsements reiterate positions CIVPAC took in the original primary. Others address runoff choices that have become clearer now that the field has narrowed.
One practical note: Georgia does not register voters by party, but voters may not switch parties between a primary and a runoff. If you voted a Republican ballot in the May primary, you may vote only in the Republican runoff. If you did not vote in the primary, or voted only a nonpartisan ballot, you may choose the Republican runoff ballot.
CIVPAC is a nonpartisan organization. We endorse Democrats, Republicans, and independents when we believe they are the better choice for centrist independent voters. Our goal is not to help either party for its own sake. It is to support candidates who are more competent, more serious, more realistic, and more likely to move politics toward the center.
Runoffs often receive less attention than primaries, but they matter. In low-turnout elections, a small number of voters can determine who appears on the November ballot. Georgia voters should use that opportunity carefully.
U.S. Senate Republican Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses Derek Dooley
CIVPAC endorses Derek Dooley in the Republican primary runoff for United States Senate from Georgia.
This is not an endorsement based on the view that Dooley is an ideal CIVPAC candidate. He is not. He is new to politics, has not yet developed the kind of public record that would allow a full assessment of his governing philosophy, and will have to prove himself in a general election if he becomes the Republican nominee.
But endorsements are often comparative judgments, and the comparison in this runoff is clear.
Representative Mike Collins represents a style of politics CIVPAC has consistently rejected. He is aligned with the most confrontational wing of the Republican Party, has embraced a performative approach to politics, and appears far more interested in ideological combat than in constructive governance. At a time when Congress needs members who can legislate seriously, defend democratic institutions, and govern beyond slogans, Collins is the wrong choice.
Dooley is a less certain candidate, but he is the more plausible choice for Republicans who want to move Georgia politics back toward a responsible center-right tradition. His support from Governor Brian Kemp’s political network matters. Kemp has not been a perfect model of centrism, but in Georgia Republican politics he has represented a more serious, institutionally responsible alternative to the most election-denying and performative elements of the Trump wing of the party.
CIVPAC does not endorse candidates merely because they are less extreme than their opponents. But in this runoff, Dooley offers the better possibility of a Republican nominee who might be capable of appealing beyond the hardest partisan base. Collins offers little reason to believe he would strengthen the governing center of the Senate.
CIVPAC therefore endorses Derek Dooley in the Republican primary runoff for United States Senate.
CIVPAC reserves judgment on the general election.
Republican Lieutenant Governor Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses John F. Kennedy
CIVPAC endorses John F. Kennedy in the Republican runoff for lieutenant governor.
Kennedy and State Senator Greg Dolezal advanced to the Republican runoff after neither candidate won a majority in the May primary.
Kennedy is a conservative Republican. CIVPAC does not endorse him because we agree with every position he holds. We endorse him because the choice in this runoff is about temperament, seriousness, and the kind of politics Georgia Republicans should reward.
Dolezal has leaned into culture-war politics in ways CIVPAC cannot support. He drew criticism for an advertisement depicting Muslims terrorizing white Georgia residents and promising to keep Georgia “sharia free.” That kind of rhetoric is beneath serious public office.
The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate and can have significant influence over the legislative process. Georgia needs a lieutenant governor capable of managing that role responsibly, not someone rewarded for inflammatory messaging.
CIVPAC endorses John F. Kennedy in the Republican runoff.
Republican Secretary of State Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses Tim Fleming
CIVPAC endorses Tim Fleming in the Republican runoff for secretary of state.
Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones are running in the Republican runoff for Georgia secretary of state.
The secretary of state’s office is not a place for political theater. It is the office responsible for administering elections and protecting public confidence in the electoral process. Georgia learned in 2020 how much that matters.
Vernon Jones is the wrong choice for this office. His public career has been marked by Trump loyalty, election denial, and performative politics. Georgia Republicans should not nominate someone who would further politicize the office that administers elections.
Fleming is the more responsible Republican choice in this runoff. CIVPAC endorses Tim Fleming.
Georgia’s 11th Congressional District Republican Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses John Cowan
CIVPAC endorses John Cowan in the Republican runoff for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District.
This is a local race of particular interest to CIVPAC. The seat is open because Congressman Barry Loudermilk is retiring. The Republican primary has focused heavily on Donald Trump and his policies, even though Georgia’s 11th District deserves a representative capable of thinking beyond national political performance.
John Cowan and Rob Adkerson advanced to the Republican runoff. Cowan led the first round, while Adkerson finished second.
This is not a race between a moderate Republican and an extreme Republican. Both candidates are conservatives. Adkerson has a real claim to experience as Loudermilk’s former chief of staff, and we do not hold that against him. But in this runoff, CIVPAC gives weight to independence. Georgia’s 11th District does not need a continuation of Washington’s Trump-centered political habits. Cowan is also a conservative, but his campaign offers at least some possibility of a fresher Republican voice.
That is enough to make him the better Republican choice in this runoff.
CIVPAC endorses John Cowan in the Republican runoff for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District.
Conclusion
CIVPAC’s endorsements in these Republican runoffs are not based on party loyalty. They are based on the same standard we use in every race: which candidate is more likely to move politics toward competence, moderation, seriousness, and respect for democratic institutions?
Georgia’s June 16 runoffs will help determine the choices voters face in November. Republican voters should participate and choose the more serious, responsible candidates in these races.
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