The family of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student tragically killed in early 2024, has officially endorsed U.S. Representative Mike Collins in his run for the U.S. Senate.
"A lot of people go to Washington and it changes them. However, in the short time that we have known him, Mike Collins went to Washington and changed it," said Allyson Riley and John Phillips, the mother and stepfather of Riley in the press release.
Here is more about what we know.
Who is Laken Riley?
Riley was a nursing student whose life was cut short in February 2024 on the campus of the University of Georgia. Her death, which involved undocumented migrant Jose Ibarra sparked national attention and intensified debate over immigration policy and campus safety.
Her mother and stepfather have since become vocal advocates for justice in her memory, and their recent endorsement signals their involvement in the upcoming 2026 election.
Who is Mike Collins?
Collins is a Republican U.S. Representative for Georgia, representing its 10th congressional district.
Known for his conservative positions and close ties to President Donald Trump, Collins has positioned himself as a strong advocate for border security and law enforcement.
“There is simply no one else in this race who deserves to be in the US Senate more than Mike Collins," the family added. "He is someone who says what he means, means what he says, and actually delivers results that matter."
Collins spearheaded the Laken Riley Act, the first law signed into action under Trump's second term.
The law, according to congress.gov, states: "Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement."
When is the US Senate election?
Georgia voters will head to the polls for the U.S. Senate election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at [email protected]m.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Mike Collins endorsed by Laken Riley’s family for U.S. Senate run
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