Congressman Mike Collins, the GOP nominee for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat, spoke on stage with President Donald Trump at a rally in Dalton on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Trump repeated unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Early voting started Monday for the Nov. 3 election, with about 700,000 Georgians having already cast a ballot as of Friday.
Collins praised Trump, saying, “I want to do something real quick, and that’s just to tell you personally, personally, not just from me, but from everybody in here and across the state and across this country, sir, we appreciate your leadership, your backbone, your standing up for America and putting America first.” Collins added, “Sir, you are giving the next generation the opportunity to chase their version of the American dream. Thank you.”
Rick Jackson, the GOP nominee for governor, spoke alongside Trump at the rally. Jackson, a wealthy healthcare executive, said, “I’m running to help vulnerable people, I call them the least of these.” He also noted, “And there’s never been a president who has done more for foster children that are abused and neglected than this man here. And on behalf of all foster children, I want to thank you, Mr. President, for caring about our vulnerable children.”
Speaking to reporters before the rally, Collins predicted the president’s visit would help motivate conservative voters. “This state is red; we just gotta make sure people understand that it’s time to go vote,” he said. “People are just busy, they’re busy with their lives, whether it’s raising kids or working or whatever it may be, and it’s a midterm election. You don’t have that presidential election that’s on the news every night that’s sitting there blinking like a beacon to remind them.”
Trump told reporters during the rally, “You have to pretend I’m on the ballot. OK, the story is this: We get 49% more votes when I’m on the ballot. When I’m not on the ballot – I guess it’s a compliment – but people don’t show up so much.”
