Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is projected to win re-election in Georgia, defeating Republican challenger Mike Collins, according to CBS News. The result was announced less than an hour after polls closed and prompted cheers at a Democratic watch party in Atlanta.
Ossoff made the cost of living a central theme of his campaign, criticizing Collins over his support for President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which Ossoff linked to rising inflation. Collins blamed high living costs on former President Joe Biden and defended his support for Trump’s war in Iran.
Georgia is a key swing state. Trump carried it in 2024, after Joe Biden narrowly won it in 2020. Republicans had hoped for a more competitive contest, but polls indicated Ossoff held a solid lead, and the party redirected resources to other races.
The Georgia race was among the first major contests projected in the midterm elections, which will determine which party controls Congress. Ossoff’s projected victory could point to a strong night for Democrats, although the broader outcome remained unclear.
The senator is also viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 if he chooses to run. Ossoff has repeatedly played down speculation about a bid, saying he has “zero interest” in running for president. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican who was barred from seeking another term, declined to run against him.
Sources: BBC News World.