Democratic rising star Ossoff projected to hold Georgia seat
Ossoff is seen as a potential leading contender for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028 if he throws his hat in the ring.
Democratic rising star Ossoff projected to hold Georgia seat
Democrat Jon Ossoff projected to hold key Georgia Senate seat
Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is projected to have secured re-election in Georgia, defeating Republican challenger Mike Collins and moving the pivotal swing state further under Democratic control.
Ossoff, a rising star in the Democratic Party, cast his opponent as loyal to a "failed president" and made the climbing cost of living a central theme of the campaign. Georgia voted for Donald Trump in 2024.
Collins had blamed rising cost of living on former President Joe Biden and defended his support for Trump's war in Iran.
With polls indicating Ossoff had a comfortable lead in the contest, Republicans had shifted resources from Georgia to other races.
News of Ossoff's projected win, announced less than an hour after polls closed, spread through the Georgia Democrats watch party in Atlanta, where supporters cheered and applauded.
He opened his remarks by thanking his family and voters in Georgia for their backing, answering "I love you, too", after shouts from the delighted crowd.
He revisited many of the themes from his campaign, voicing concern about the economic struggles confronting ordinary Americans while criticizing big pharma and corporate America and alleged corruption in the White House.
"This moment is an opening not for restoration, but for reformation," Ossoff said. "And so, amidst our celebration tonight, we must acknowledge that the underlying crisis gripping our Republic remains, and that therefore, our most vital work lies ahead."
The race was among the first major contests projected in Tuesday's midterms, which will shape the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency. The result will determine which party - Trump's Republicans or opposition Democrats - controls Congress.
Brian Kemp, Georgia's term-limited Republican governor, was the preferred candidate to face Ossoff, but he declined.
Political pundits believed Kemp had stayed out of the race, cautious of Ossoff's rising star power, amid rumors that the Democrat might be considering a presidential run in 2028.
During his campaign, Ossoff played down those rumors, saying on several occasions that he has "zero interest" in a presidential bid.
His campaign message centered on the economy and voter worries about affordability, which exit polls show was the top issue for many.
He frequently attacked Collins, who is currently serving in the US House of Representatives, for voting to back Trump's tariffs, which have been linked to rising inflation.
His victory was not a surprise, but Republicans had still hoped the race would be more competitive. It is a state that had long voted reliably red for decades. President Donald Trump won it in 2024, after Joe Biden narrowly carried it in 2020.
An easy Ossoff win in Georgia could signal a strong night for Democrats, though it is still too early to tell.
The victory could also intensify speculation about his 2028 plans. The Georgia Democrat is seen as a possible leading contender if he decides to enter the race.