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Former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins will head the new Georgia chapter of the America First Policy Institute, a national think tank, the organization announced Monday.

Collins, a Republican from Gainesville, represented Georgia’s 9th Congressional District from 2013 until 2021. Before that, he served three terms in the state House of Representatives.

Collins ran for the U.S. Senate in an unusual open-format 2020 primary that featured candidates from both major parties on the ballot. He finished third behind Democrat Raphael Warnock, who went on to win the seat in a runoff, and Republican incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler.

“At a time when our communities value safety, opportunity, and freedom more than ever before, the commitment of the America First Policy Institute to Georgia demonstrates a determination few entities are willing to consider these days,” Collins said Monday.

“As we look to better the lives of all Georgians, I’m honored to be able to use my unique perspective as a lawyer, former congressional member, and veteran to help the institute and state move forward.”

The America First Policy Institute has close ties to former President Donald Trump. It is led by Brooke Rollins, who served as a domestic policy adviser in the Trump White House.

“America First policies proved to work at the national level, and they are working in dozens of states across our country,” Rollins said. “From high crime rates and homelessness to businesses and families struggling to make ends meet, we believe now is the time for the people to demand proven policies that can get the state back on the right track.”

Collins is a fitting choice to head the group’s Georgia chapter. He was one of Trump’s staunchest defenders in Congress.  

While serving as ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, Collins gained national attention as one of Trump’s most vocal supporters during the House’s first impeachment inquiry in 2019.