Derek Dooley didn't vote for years. Now he wants Georgia voters to send him to Washington

Derek Dooley, a former football coach making his first political bid, is campaigning to represent Georgia in Washington, leveraging his status as a political outsider who admits he didn't vote for nearly two decades before deciding to run for office. The unusual candidacy of Dooley, who has transitioned from the sports world to politics, highlights a growing trend of non-traditional candidates entering the political arena across the United States. His campaign message focuses on his outsider status and fresh perspective, contrasting with typical politicians who have participated in the electoral process throughout their lives. Dooley's decision to run comes after years of what he describes as political disengagement, making his current pursuit of elected office particularly noteworthy in the current political climate where voter participation and engagement are central issues.