Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, endorsed Rep. Doug CollinsDouglas (Doug) Allen CollinsKoch-backed group launches ad campaign to support four vulnerable GOP senators Jon Ossoff to challenge David Perdue after winning Georgia Democratic primary The Hill’s Campaign Report: Bad polling data is piling up for Trump MORE (R-Ga.) in his challenge to Sen. Kelly LoefflerKelly LoefflerKoch-backed group launches ad campaign to support four vulnerable GOP senators Jon Ossoff to challenge David Perdue after winning Georgia Democratic primary Candidates headed to runoffs in Georgia House race to replace Doug Collins MORE (R-Ga.) on Monday, providing Collins with key conservative backing in the heated intraparty fight.
“I am pleased to support my good friend and freedom fighter, Congressman Doug Collins, for the office of Senator for the great state of Georgia,” Biggs said in his endorsement, Fox News first reported.
Biggs — the leader of one of the most influential conservative groups in the House — has worked closely with Collins, who served as the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment proceedings. Collins is slated to step down from his ranking member position on the panel in the coming days.
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Collins, one of President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s most vocal defenders in the lower chamber, thanked Biggs and highlighted the endorsement on his Twitter account.
“.@andybiggs4az, Chairman of the Freedom Caucus is one of the true champions in D.C. fighting to cut our national debt, a relentless defender of President Trump, and a great friend. I am honored to have his support in this race for the Senate! #gapol #gasen,” he tweeted.
.@andybiggs4az, Chairman of the Freedom Caucus is one of the true champions in D.C. fighting to cut our national debt, a relentless defender of President Trump, and a great friend. I am honored to have his support in this race for the Senate! #gapol #gasen pic.twitter.com/eOsHWiBvHC
— Doug Collins (@CollinsforGA) February 24, 2020
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Loeffler, a wealthy businesswoman who was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp (R) last year to fill former Sen. Johnny IsaksonJohnny IsaksonJon Ossoff to challenge David Perdue after winning Georgia Democratic primary Candidates headed to runoffs in Georgia House race to replace Doug Collins Justice Department closing stock investigations into Loeffler, Inhofe, Feinstein MORE’s (R-Ga.) seat, has garnered the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote GOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases No, ‘blue states’ do not bail out ‘red states’ MORE (R-Ky.) and has been working to prove her conservative credentials.
Since taking office, she has hired a number of staffers from conservative offices — including a top aide who worked for former House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark MeadowsMark Randall MeadowsTim Scott to introduce GOP police reform bill next week House GOP delays police reform bill White House says Trump may issue executive order on police reform MORE (R-N.C.). She has also met with key outside groups, with a number of them announcing their support for her bid, and has received endorsements from conservative colleagues in the upper chamber including Sens. Marsha BlackburnMarsha BlackburnGOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police GOP senators dodge on treatment of White House protesters Five things to know about Trump’s legal power under the Insurrection Act MORE (R-Tenn.), Tom CottonTom Bryant CottonOVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (R-Ark.) and Deb FischerDebra (Deb) Strobel FischerBipartisan senators seek funding for pork producers forced to euthanize livestock Top Georgia Republican endorses Doug Collins Senate bid Senators balance coronavirus action with risks to health MORE (R-Neb.).
Trump previously lobbied Kemp to appoint Collins to the seat in November, but the Georgia governor ultimately opted to select Loeffler. The president has since publicly praised Loeffler following her vote on impeachment.
Sources close to the president said it’s unlikely Trump will get involved in the race, despite his close working relationship with Collins.
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“I don’t think he does,” said one GOP member when asked if Trump will endorse at all.
—Updated at 6:43 p.m.