In a move that underscores the intertwining of personal tragedy and political advocacy, the family of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student who was murdered in 2024, threw their support behind Rep. Mike Collins for the U.S. Senate. According to an article by Fox 5 Atlanta, Allyson and John Phillips, Riley's mother and stepfather, have endorsed Collins because of how he helped bring about the Laken Riley Act following their daughter’s death.
Caught in a national debate, the endorsement comes at a pivotal time when Collins is mounting his Senate campaign and, as described in the same piece by Fox 5 Atlanta, facing off against multiple Republicans like Rep. Buddy Carter and former football coach Derek Dooley, before potentially taking on Senator Jon Ossoff. The endorsement has been seen as a reflection of the family's stance on immigration policies, which were harshly criticized after the tragic event that brought about the creation of the Laken Riley Act.
In a statement expressing their support for Collins, mentioned in an Fox 5 Atlanta article, the Phillips said, "There is simply no one else in this race who deserves to be in the U.S. Senate more than Mike Collins. He is someone who says what he means, means what he says, and actually delivers results that matter." This sentiment was equally directed at the policies of the Biden administration, which the family contends failed to protect their daughter by allegedly advocating for "open borders."
Collins, as reported by Atlanta News First, has received gratitude from Riley's family for his role in securing passage of the Laken Riley Act. The law compels federal officials to detain any immigrant arrested or charged with crimes such as theft or causing injury or death, and it empowers state attorneys general to pursue legal action against the federal government for any harm caused by immigration policy decisions. Having a direct tie to the significant legislation, Collins's politicking was grounded in a very personal cause for the family.
The primary election scheduled for May 19, 2026, is fast approaching, and with the backing of the Phillips, Collins's campaign appears to be ramping up support. The family's involvement, as commentators suggest, may sway public opinion and certainly provides a backdrop for a campaign event today in Jackson, initiating Collins's push for the Senate seat.
