Mike Collins advances to runoff in Georgia GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects

Washington — Rep. Mike Collins has advanced to a runoff in the Georgia GOP primary for Senate, CBS News projects, as Republicans vie for an opportunity to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. In Georgia, the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to a runoff if no candidate clears 50% of the vote. It's not clear yet who Collins will face in the runoff, which is set for June 16. Rep. Buddy Carter and former college football coach Derek Dooley remain in a tight race for second place. A handful of Republicans have been seeking the nomination as the GOP eyes a chance at flipping a Senate seat in Georgia. With Ossoff being the sole Democrat seeking reelection in a state President Trump won in 2024, the race has been seen as a key pickup opportunity for Republicans. But a messy primary, and the inability to coalesce behind a candidate has complicated their path forward. Ossoff, who was unopposed in Tuesday's primary, has been in the Senate since 2021 when he delivered Democrats one of two runoff victories in Georgia, which secured their majority in the upper chamber. A formidable fundraiser, the 39-year-old has amassed a significant warchest to fight back against an inevitable GOP onslaught and improve his outlook despite the state's rightward shift during the last election. Two members of Congress, Collins, 58, and Carter, 68, had been gunning for the GOP nomination. …