5 Major Moves: What Doug Collins Is Doing Now As VA Secretary And His Next Political Horizon

The question of "What is Doug Collins going to do now?" has been definitively answered, marking a dramatic new chapter in his political career. As of early 2025, the former Georgia Congressman and staunch political ally has transitioned from the halls of Congress and the courtroom to a pivotal cabinet position, taking on one of the most challenging and consequential roles in the federal government: the 12th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). His confirmation in February 2025 by a significant Senate vote cemented his return to Washington, D.C., and placed him at the helm of an agency responsible for the health and welfare of millions of American veterans.

This appointment is not merely a change of job; it is a high-stakes mission that will define his legacy and potentially shape his future political aspirations. With the current date being December 17, 2025, Secretary Collins is actively engaged in implementing major policy changes, including a sweeping reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which has become the centerpiece of his early tenure. The focus is now on how he manages this massive bureaucracy and delivers on promises to America's veterans.

The Complete Biography and Political Profile of Douglas A. Collins

Douglas Allen Collins, known widely as Doug Collins, has carved out a unique career path that blends military service, ministry, law, and politics. His background provides a distinctive lens through which he now approaches the challenges of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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• Full Name: Douglas Allen Collins
• Born: August 16, 1966
• Birthplace: Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia
• Education:
  • North Hall High School, Gainesville
  • University of North Georgia (B.S. in Political Science and Criminal Justice)
  • New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity)
  • Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (Juris Doctor)
• Military Service:
  • United States Air Force Reserve (Chaplain)
  • Previously served in the U.S. Navy
  • Deployed to Iraq (2008–2009) as a chaplain with the U.S. Air Force
• Professional & Political Career Highlights:
  • Baptist Minister and Pastor
  • Managing Partner at the Collins and Csider law firm (starting 2010)
  • Member of the Georgia House of Representatives (2007–2013)
  • U.S. Representative for Georgia's 9th congressional district (2013–2021)
  • Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee (2019–2020)
  • Ran for the U.S. Senate in the 2020 special election
  • Current Role: 12th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Confirmed February 2025 – Present)

Leading the Charge: Doug Collins's 2025 Mandate at the VA

Secretary Collins's primary focus in 2025 is the monumental task of reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs. This agency, which operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, is often criticized for its bureaucratic complexity and slow pace of change. Collins’s mandate is clear: streamline operations, improve healthcare access, and ensure timely delivery of benefits to the nation’s veterans.

The most significant initiative underway is the reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is the healthcare arm of the VA, and Collins has described its current structure as overly bureaucratic. His plan aims to reduce the number of regional divisions and introduce new, more flexible healthcare options. This strategic shift is designed to cut through red tape, decentralize decision-making where appropriate, and make the system more responsive to the needs of individual veterans, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.

Key entities and areas of focus under his leadership include:

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• VHA Restructuring: A top-down overhaul to reduce administrative layers and increase efficiency in healthcare delivery.
• Access to Care: A continued push to expand the use of the VA's Community Care program, allowing veterans to receive care from private providers when VA facilities are unavailable or inconvenient.
• Mental Health Services: A critical area of expansion, focusing on suicide prevention, PTSD treatment, and addressing the growing mental health crisis among post-9/11 veterans.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization: Overseeing the troubled, multi-billion dollar project to replace the VA’s decades-old electronic health record system, a major logistical and technological challenge.
• Budget Battles: Navigating complex budget negotiations with Congress to secure funding for new initiatives and maintain existing services in the 2026 fiscal year.

His experience as a former congressman and a military chaplain gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of policy and veteran welfare. Friends and political observers note that he is approaching this role with the intensity of a mission, understanding that his performance here will be heavily scrutinized by the veteran community and the political establishment alike.

The High-Stakes Political Implications of His Cabinet Role

For a politician like Doug Collins, a cabinet position is rarely an end-point; it is often a strategic platform. His tenure as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is widely viewed as a crucial political test that could pave the way for a return to electoral politics. The success or failure of his VA reforms will be the single greatest factor in determining his viability for future campaigns.

The most persistent speculation surrounding Collins's next move centers on a potential run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. The political landscape in the Peach State remains highly competitive, and Collins has already demonstrated his willingness to run statewide, having competed in the 2020 special Senate election. This potential race, if he chooses to pursue it, would likely be a 2026 challenge against incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff.

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This speculation creates a fascinating dynamic:

• The VA as a Launchpad: Successfully reforming the VA would provide Collins with an unparalleled record of executive achievement and a compelling narrative of service to veterans—a powerful asset in any political campaign.
• The Georgia Connection: Collins's deep roots in Georgia politics, coupled with his national profile from his time in Congress and his current cabinet role, make him a formidable potential candidate for a Senate seat.
• The 2026 Senate Race: A contest against Senator Ossoff would be a high-profile, expensive, and critical battle for control of the Senate. Collins's performance at the VA will be a central theme of that campaign, for better or worse.

Entities and figures relevant to his political future include: Senator Jon Ossoff, the Georgia Republican Party, former President Donald Trump (who nominated him), and key political action committees (PACs) that fund Senate races.

The Long-Term Impact: Collins's Vision for Veterans' Services

Beyond the immediate administrative and political challenges, Secretary Collins is focused on a long-term vision for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This vision is rooted in his personal experience as a military chaplain and his understanding of the sacrifices made by service members. The core of his philosophy appears to be a shift from a reactive, process-driven bureaucracy to a proactive, veteran-centric service model.

The "veteran-centric" model emphasizes personalized care, seamless transitions from military to civilian life, and an integrated approach to physical and mental health. This involves collaborating closely with other government entities, non-profit organizations, and private sector innovators to bring the best possible resources to veterans. His team is actively engaging with entities like the America First Policy Institute, which has supported his nomination, to develop policy frameworks that align with this vision.

In the coming months and years, the public will be watching for measurable outcomes in several key areas:

1. Wait Times: A significant reduction in the time veterans wait for appointments, both at VA facilities and through Community Care.
2. Claim Backlog: Expediting the processing of disability and pension claims, which often leave veterans waiting years for critical financial support.
3. Modernization: Successful implementation of the new Electronic Health Record system without the major disruptions that have plagued earlier phases.
4. Accountability: Increased transparency and accountability for VA employees and leadership, ensuring that the focus remains solely on the veteran.

In summary, Doug Collins is not only doing something now—he is doing something massive. He is navigating the complexities of the VA, managing a major reorganization, and simultaneously positioning himself for a potential return to the electoral arena. His current role is a defining moment, placing him at the intersection of public service, executive leadership, and high-stakes national politics.