SCOOP: Derek Dooley announces longtime Trump, Kemp donor as his campaign chair

Derek Dooley is building out his Senate campaign team, announcing that a top Trump donor will be joining as his campaign chair as the former college football coach seeks to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff (D., Ga.) next year.

Don Leebern III, who has donated almost one million dollars to President Donald Trump’s campaign efforts and over $1 million to the Republican National Committee (RNC), joins Dooley’s campaign shortly after Georgia’s popular Republican governor, Brian Kemp, threw his full weight behind Dooley.

“Don is a successful businessman and widely respected leader in our state, and I’m deeply honored to have his leadership and strong support,” Dooley said. “Our campaign continues to gain momentum as we earn the support of hardworking Georgians all across this state and build the team that will defeat Jon Ossoff next November.”

Leebern, for his part, added that “Derek Dooley is the only political outsider in this race and the only candidate who can defeat Jon Ossoff next November.”

“I’ve known Derek and his family for many years — Derek is a fighter, a strong leader, and someone who I know will always put the people of Georgia first. I’m proud to join his campaign, and look forward to supporting his mission to win this crucial seat back for our state.”

Leebern brings almost half a century of experience in the beverage industry to bear on Dooley’s campaign; he is the president and CEO of Georgia Crown, Alabama Crown, and Tennessee Crown Distributing Companies.

His political experience will be particularly helpful for Dooley — a first-time candidate; Leebern is a longtime backer of both Trump and of Kemp.