Georgia Republicans are intensifying efforts to secure an endorsement from President Donald Trump in the state's U.S. Senate primary race ahead of a potential June 16 runoff.

The contest features a crowded Republican field vying to take on Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff in November. Candidates including Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, along with former football coach Derek Dooley, have all actively sought Trump's support. Dooley carries the backing of Gov. Brian Kemp.

Trump has not yet endorsed in the Senate race, leaving candidates to court his base while the president focuses elsewhere. This comes after a primary where no candidate secured a majority, setting up the runoff between the top two finishers.

The seat is viewed as competitive. Trump carried Georgia by two points in the 2024 presidential election, making it one of two Democratic-held Senate seats in states he won that year.

Republicans warn that time is short for an endorsement to influence the outcome. Early voting in the runoff is less than two weeks away, and party members say a late or absent endorsement could complicate efforts to unify behind a strong nominee for the general election.

Ossoff faces no Democratic primary opposition and is preparing for a general election matchup in a state where both parties have shown strength in recent cycles. The outcome could affect the balance of power in the Senate.

Candidates have tailored messages to appeal to Trump voters while navigating broader electorate concerns. The absence of an early Trump pick has kept the primary focused on who can best claim alignment with the president's agenda.