Georgia’s U.S. Senate showdown: Ossoff and Collins lay out visions for 2026

(Editor’s note: The video above the U.S. Senate debate between Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. It was hosted by Atlanta News First and broadcast statewide across all of Gray Media’s Georgia stations.)

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Georgia voters will decide the state’s U.S. Senate race in the Nov. 3 midterm election. U.S. senators represent all of Georgia in Washington - voting on federal laws and the federal budget, and confirming judges and other top federal officials. Senators serve six-year terms.

The race features incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger Mike Collins.

Jon Ossoff (D)

Ossoff, Georgia’s senior U.S. senator, was elected in 2021 and became the state’s first Jewish senator.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Ossoff studied at Georgetown University and the London School of Economics, according to his campaign biography. He began in politics as a foreign-policy aide to Representative Hank Johnson, then led an investigative media company that produced documentaries on corruption and war crimes, according to Atlanta News First.

Ossoff and his supporters say he is seeking reelection to keep delivering results for Georgians and to put their interests ahead of partisan politics, according to MoveOn’s endorsement page. Atlanta News First reports he first returned to electoral politics after Donald Trump’s 2016 election.

2026 Georgia voters' guide

2026 is a crucial election year for the Peach State. This year, voters will decide on a new governor, choose who will represent them in the U.S. Senate and participate in a slew of other statewide races and U.S. House races for Georgia’s representatives.

Where he stands, according to his campaign biography, Senate office, and debate statements:

• Healthcare: Lower prescription costs, expand access to care - including rural care - and improve services for mothers and children. His office highlights insulin-cap legislation for seniors, and funding for medical facilities and training.
• Jobs, infrastructure, and clean energy: Invest in Georgia’s roads, ports, airports, water systems, transit, and broadband, plus manufacturing and clean-energy jobs.
• Farmers and growers: Support Georgia agriculture, disaster relief, precision-agriculture research, and protections against unfair competition.
• Public safety and border security: Support law enforcement, tackle fentanyl trafficking and child exploitation, and strengthen border security, including bipartisan work.
• Accountability and civil rights: Investigate foster-care and prison conditions, USPS failures, and government and corporate abuse. Support reproductive freedom and limits on congressional stock trading.

Mike Collins (R)

Collins has served in the U.S. House representing Georgia’s 10th District since 2023.

Born in Jackson, Georgia, Collins spent much of his career in the family trucking business, eventually becoming its president, according to his campaign biography and Atlanta News First. He served as Butts County Chamber president, an Associated Credit Union board chair, and a Georgia Motor Trucking Association leader. His congressional service is confirmed by his Congress.gov member profile.

Collins says he wants to bring his business experience and conservative “America First” priorities to the Senate, and argues Georgia needs a senator who will support President Trump’s agenda and deliver practical results, according to his campaign biography and issues page.

Where he stands, according to his campaign’s issues page and debate statements:

• Economy and affordability: Cut regulations, support businesses and workers, and back policies to lower costs. He promotes the Aviation Workforce Development Act, which would let families use 529 college-savings accounts for technical and career training.
• Housing: Address costs driven by low supply and regulation. Support mass deportations, lower interest rates, and the PERMIT Act to streamline homebuilding permits.
• Government spending: Back a smaller, more accountable government, citing excessive federal spending and fraud.
• Foreign policy: Support “peace through strength” - backing U.S. allies while opposing unchecked foreign spending.
• Immigration and border security: Collins says the southern border is secure. He accuses Ossoff of supporting “open borders” and supports mass deportations, according to Atlanta News First debate coverage.
• Iran and national security: He says President Trump had the right to prevent Iran’s leaders from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Information for this story comes from Jon Ossoff’s campaign biography, his Senate office’s Four-Year Report, his sponsored legislation on Congress.gov, MoveOn’s endorsement page, Mike Collins’ campaign biography and issues page, his member profile on Congress.gov, and Atlanta News First’s background on both candidates and debate coverage. Early voting information and sample ballots can be found at Georgia’s My Voter Page.

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