US EditionEthics watchdog: Top aide to Georgia’s Mike Collins improperly hired girlfriend as intern
The watchdog found $15,532.44 paid to the intern with no evidence of work and recommended subpoenas amid unresolved allegations of resource misuse.
- A congressional ethics watchdog reported on January 6, 2026, there is substantial reason to believe Brandon Phillips hired his girlfriend as an intern who did not perform duties commensurate with her compensation, and the Office of Congressional Conduct adopted the report.
- The complaint first lodged in October prompted the House Ethics Committee to review accusations that Brandon Phillips misused congressional travel funds and performed campaign work on the payroll.
- Payroll records show the woman hired as an intern was paid $5,044 in November–December 2023 and $5,244.44 in October–December 2024, but various witnesses and former staffers said they never saw her work and key people declined to cooperate.
- The watchdog recommended subpoenas for Rep. Mike Collins, Brandon Phillips, the woman and three staffers, and the House Ethics Committee is extending its review as rivals and Democrats Senate Majority PAC press the issue.
- In a Dec. 31 letter, Duncan wrote that `The evidence is this hiring was proper and done to assist the office in serving the interests of the district`, emphasizing the defense of Collins' background.
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7 Articles
Mike Collins’ chief of staff accused of misusing taxpayer funds on intern girlfriend
Details have emerged concerning the ethics allegations against 10th Congressional District Representative Mike Collins and his chief of staff, Brandon Phillips.In a 33-page report released by the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), which is a nonpartisan watchdog entity tasked with reviewing allegations of misconduct, Phillips is accused of misusing taxpayer funds by hiring his girlfriend, Caroline Craze, as an intern.
More details released about ethics investigation into Congressman Mike Collins and former top aide
Congressman Mike Collins, who is running for Georgia's senate seat this year, denies accusations that he inappropriately spent money to benefit a top aide. Ross Williams/Georgia RecorderA congressional watchdog agency has recommended Georgia Congressman Mike Collins be subpoenaed by a House committee in an investigation into allegations that he used government funds to benefit a top aide. Collins, a Republican from Jackson, is seeking the GOP no…
House Ethics Committee investigates Collins over intern payments
The House Ethics Committee has recommended that Georgia Congressman Mike Collins be subpoenaed in an investigation into allegations that he used government funds to benefit a top aide and paid an intern who was the girlfriend of his chief of staff but did not actually perform any duties. The Current is an inclusive nonprofit, non-partisan news organization providing in-depth watchdog journalism for Savannah and Coastal Georgia’s communities.
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