Mike Collins Discusses Trump Meeting, Audi Investment Ahead of Georgia Senate Race

Republican Rep. Mike Collins stated that he discussed recent events with former President Donald Trump following a rally in Perry, Georgia, just one week before the state's closely watched Senate election. Collins, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, spoke with Fox News Digital about his interaction with Trump and his efforts to prepare Georgia's infrastructure for a significant manufacturing investment.

Collins described Trump as receptive to feedback from those around him, recounting his observations from meeting rally attendees. He noted that "well over half" of the individuals at the event were attending a Trump rally for the first time.

During the interview, Collins also revealed that Trump amplified a new digital advertisement from his Senate campaign that focuses on the Laken Riley Act, legislation Collins championed. The advertisement garnered over 7 million views after Trump retweeted it.

Collins detailed his involvement in improvements to the Port of Brunswick, which he believes helped position Georgia to attract Audi's $4.2 billion investment for a new manufacturing facility in the Macon area. He explained that after becoming chairman of the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, he prioritized dredging the Port of Brunswick, which had not been fully dredged in over a decade. Collins stated that this dredging increased the port's capacity, making Georgia a more attractive location for automakers looking to manufacture and export vehicles.

The Audi announcement has become a focal point in the Senate campaign, with Ossoff requesting more details about the project and Collins emphasizing his record on economic development and infrastructure.

Collins also addressed reports that Ossoff's campaign had spent nearly $3,000 on hair and makeup during the election cycle. When asked if he personally uses makeup on the campaign trail, Collins responded humorously and suggested that Ossoff's campaign had altered his appearance. Collins further alleged that Ossoff is positioning himself for a potential presidential campaign in 2028, an interpretation he based on the senator's voting record, endorsements, and fundraising.

Collins also commented on the timing of potential changes to off-road diesel fuel regulations, suggesting he would have expedited the process. As a trucking company owner, he argued that allowing additional diesel supplies into the market sooner could help lower prices. Collins predicted that consumers would see lower fuel prices after the election, noting that rising energy costs are a significant issue in the Senate race.

Collins expressed confidence in his upcoming election, stating, "I'm gonna win this race next week. I'm gonna be your next U.S. senator from Georgia." He indicated that he would continue to focus on affordability and economic development if elected.

The election is scheduled for November 3, with early voting in Georgia concluding on October 30. The Ossoff campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.