Rep. Mike Collins outlines healthcare plan during Monroe County visit, dodges questions on son-in-law and ties to white nationalism

During the visit, Rep. Collins said his goal is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Georgians, particularly in rural communities.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Mike Collins visited Monroe County Hospital on Thursday to outline his healthcare priorities, saying he wants to increase federal support for rural hospitals if elected to the U.S. Senate.

“My plan as your next U.S. Senator is to use my business experience to build on that record and make life more affordable, more safe and more prosperous for every Georgian and a part of that means making healthcare more accessible and more affordable to every person in our state,” Collins said. “We got $218 million delivered for rural hospitals across the state and in the Senate, I will push to double that amount to help bring even more support to our rural hospitals and make healthcare more accessible across our state.”

Following the healthcare announcement, Collins was questioned by reporters about recent reporting involving his son-in-law, David Alan Scheer.

Recent reports have alleged Scheer promoted white nationalist views online and had roles connected to Collins’ campaign and business.

When asked about those reports during Thursday’s press conference, Collins did not directly answer the questions. Instead, he repeatedly redirected reporters before abruptly ending the press conference and leaving the event.

Collins is challenging incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia’s U.S. Senate race.

Early voting for Georgia’s general election begins Tuesday, October 13.