Controversial Figure Gains Support in Key House Races
Republican candidates in pivotal U.S. House races are aligning with Georgia Representative Mike Collins, despite his controversial remarks that have sparked racial debates.
Since 2022, Collins has been the representative for Georgia’s 10th congressional district and is now seeking re-election. He has recently featured in campaign videos with several candidates, including Virginia Rep. Jen Kiggans. The video showcased the two lawmakers actively engaging with voters. Collins has also joined campaign promotions for Derrick Anderson in Virginia’s 7th district and Laurie Buckhout in North Carolina’s first district.
Anderson expressed gratitude towards Collins in a social media post, stating, “Thank you, @MikeCollinsGA. Appreciate your help.”
In May, Collins faced backlash after sharing a controversial video on social media. The video, recorded during a pro-Palestine protest at the University of Mississippi, depicted a white, male student imitating an ape to mock a Black, female protester. Collins commented on the post with, “Ole Miss takes care of business,” which led to calls from the NAACP for a House Ethics Committee investigation. Collins later stated he initially failed to recognize the racial implications of the video.
Additionally, Collins drew criticism for a remark he made regarding the Kennedy family. In reference to a report about a worm found in the brain of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Collins tweeted, “You either die a Kennedy with a hole in the brain or live long enough to become a Kennedy with a hole in the brain,” alluding to the assassinations of Kennedy’s father and uncle.
Earlier in March, Collins responded to a social media mention identifying a Washington Post reporter as Jewish with the phrase, “Never had a second thought.” Despite the backlash, Collins claimed ignorance of the post’s context, and the tweet remains undeleted.
The candidates associating with Collins, including Kiggans, Anderson, and Buckhout, are campaigning in racially diverse areas where Collins’ past statements could pose challenges. Virginia’s 2nd district, where Kiggans is running, has a 22% Black population. Anderson’s district is 20% Black, while Buckhout’s district has a 40% Black demographic.
Both Kiggans and Buckhout have been actively engaging with Black communities, including appearances at Black churches during their campaigns.
Collins is contesting against Democrat Lexy Doherty in the upcoming election.
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