Jon Ossoff projected to handily win reelection in Georgia

analysis The incumbent Democratic senator's successful campaign will raise expectations about a potential presidential bid Published November 3, 2026 8:48PM (EST) Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., speaks to supporters and members of the media during a campaign event at the DeKalb History Center Museum in Decatur, Georgia, on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (Megan Varner / Getty Images)) Sen. Jon Ossoff easily defeated a challenge from Republican Rep. Mike Collins to hold on to his Georgia Senate seat on Tuesday, according to AP projections. After Donald Trump carried the state in 2024, early forecasts predicted tough sledding for Ossoff. But during a brutal government shutdown — the longest on record — the senator signaled he was willing to stake his candidacy on protecting Affordable Care Act subsidies, and he proved an adept campaigner who was hyper-focused on Georgia issues. Ossoff focused his stump speeches around affordability, skyrocketing inflation and foreign entanglements, hammering Trump for his costly war with Iran. For his part, Collins’ candidacy was hamstrung by controversies involving his payroll and affiliation with alleged white nationalists. Frequently floated as a 2028 contender, Ossoff adopted a fighter’s stance at his campaign events. Like feisty Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed, the senator took every opportunity to land a jab against Republicans, occasionally causing some monocle-popping among centrist commentators still holding on to the idea of the dignity of the presidential office. In August, he drew jeers and applause for making light of the rumors surrounding Trump aide Natalie Harp. “So [Trump] doesn’t want to do this job,” Ossoff said . “He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar.” Ossoff, for his part, has said he has “zero interest in running for president.” His victory speech, which will come later tonight, will be studied by pundits seeking to divine his intentions. Related Topics ------------------------------------------ Related Articles