Former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins said Monday he will not be a candidate for any office in 2022.
Collins, a Republican from Gainesville, had been rumored to be considering another bid for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Raphael Warnock. He was considered running for governor against incumbent Brian Kemp.
"I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for any office in the next election cycle," Collins said on Twitter. "It has been a joy to serve in both the Georgia legislature and the United States Congress."
Collins did not rule out another campaign in the future. But for now, he said he's focused on shaping the conservative message to help Republicans win back the House and Senate. He also said he would help other conservative candidates get elected.
Collins was the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee during the first impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, and he was a staunch supporter of Trump.
In 2020, he chose to leave the U.S. House after eight years to vie for the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, who stepped down for health reasons. Collins finished third in the so-called jungle primary behind Warnock and Republican Kelly Loeffler.
He was a member of the Georgia House from 2007-2013,
"During my time in Congress, I was able to accomplish a great deal for the folks that I served, including historic criminal justice reform with the passage of the First Step Act," he said. "I have always believed that when you are given the privilege of serving, you should strive to pass meaningful legislation that impacts people's everyday lives. I'm proud we were able to do that."
Collins currently practices law with Clarkesville-based law firm Oliver & Weidner, where he specializes in civil and criminal litigation. He also hosts an afternoon radio show.
