Republicans are expressing private concern that the Senate campaign of Trump-backed candidate Mike Collins is faltering, citing a series of scandals, an ongoing ethics investigation, and a substantial fundraising gap. These setbacks have led to worries that Collins' campaign is "gone disastrously wrong," with some strategists questioning his ability to defeat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the upcoming November election.
An August survey conducted by InsiderAdvantage among 800 likely voters showed Ossoff leading Collins 50 percent to 43 percent, with 7 percent undecided. This poll reflects a trend where Ossoff has built a significant advantage over the summer months, raising alarm bells within the Republican party.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Republican strategists are increasingly concerned about the campaign's fundraising capabilities, the controversies surrounding it, and its overall ability to connect with Georgia voters. The potential ramifications extend beyond this single Senate seat, with some Republicans fearing that a poor performance by Collins could negatively affect other GOP candidates on the statewide ticket in Georgia, a state once considered reliably Republican.
Campaign Controversies and Fundraising Deficit
Collins' campaign has been marked by several difficulties since its launch. An early campaign video misspelled the name of the state he aims to represent. More seriously, Collins has faced scrutiny from a House ethics investigation into allegations that his chief of staff misused congressional resources to employ an intern for a no-show job. A House Ethics Committee report indicated "substantial reason to believe" Collins had used congressional resources for unauthorized purposes, allegations Collins has called meritless.
Further controversy has stemmed from the social media activity of individuals associated with Collins, particularly his son-in-law, David Alan Scheer II. Scheer, who reportedly lives on property owned by Collins, has posted content on social media that includes white nationalist and antisemitic views, calls for the deportation of Muslims, and material promoting white nationalism. Scheer has also engaged with content linked to Patriot Front, an organization described by civil rights groups as white nationalist and white supremacist. While Collins has stated Scheer plays no role in his campaign and condemned his comments, the association has generated negative attention. Additionally, a former intern for Collins was photographed wearing KKK attire, adding to the campaign's challenges in broadening its appeal.
Financial Disparity
The significant fundraising disparity between the candidates is a central concern. As of June 30, Jon Ossoff's campaign had amassed approximately $98 million during the election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission filings. In contrast, Collins had raised about $7.4 million by the same date. This enormous financial gap allows Ossoff to allocate considerably more resources to his reelection campaign. While Republican-aligned outside groups are reportedly attempting to counter this disparity with significant spending, the fundamental financial challenge for Collins remains pronounced when running against an incumbent who has become a national fundraising leader.
Broader Electoral Concerns
Beyond the immediate race, there is a palpable fear within Republican circles that a substantial loss for Collins could harm other Republican candidates running for statewide office in Georgia. Some strategists have warned that a defeat exceeding six points could have ripple effects on the rest of the GOP ticket in contests that include a competitive gubernatorial race. This situation is seen by some as a significant misstep in party building that could cost Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Some analysts suggest that Collins may not be the optimal candidate or that his campaign strategy is not suited to defeat Ossoff. President Donald Trump's endorsement was instrumental in Collins securing the Republican nomination, but that support has not translated into a dominant general-election campaign. Meanwhile, Ossoff has reportedly used the race to enhance his national profile, positioning himself as a prominent critic of Trump.