The parents of Laken Riley, the nursing student whose killing drew national attention, have officially endorsed Representative Mike Collins in his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Georgia.
Allyson Phillips and her husband, John Phillips, announced their support for the Republican congressman in a formal statement distributed by his campaign.
The couple is backing Collins as he prepares to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff for a key seat representing the Peach State.
Family Cites Collins’ Support in Wake of Daughter’s Murder
In their statement, the Phillips family expressed deep gratitude for the support Collins provided after their 22-year-old daughter was killed earlier this year.
They credited the congressman with being instrumental in the effort to “bring justice for our sweet Laken.”
The family specifically highlighted Collins’ advocacy, along with that of Senator Katie Britt, as a source of strength during their time of immense grief.
Their endorsement also included sharp criticism of the current administration’s border policies, which they connect to the circumstances of their daughter’s death.
Endorsement Highlights Immigration in Key Senate Contest
The endorsement injects a powerful and personal narrative into the Georgia Senate race, emphasizing the ongoing national debate over immigration and border security.
Jose Ibarra, the individual charged in Laken Riley’s murder, is an undocumented immigrant, a fact that has become central to the political discourse surrounding the case.
Collins championed the “Laken Riley Act,” a piece of federal legislation created in response to the killing.
The measure, which addresses the detention of migrants who commit crimes, was signed into law by President Donald Trump, marking a significant legislative event.
The support from the Riley family provides a high-profile validation of Collins’ focus on immigration policy as a cornerstone of his Senate platform.
