Georgia’s U.S. Senate race is one of the most competitive contests in the country and the state’s critical race for 2026. Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff is seeking a second term against Republican Rep. Mike Collins in a state that Donald Trump carried by two points in 2024. Ossoff is campaigning on his record in the Senate, including lowering prescription drug and housing costs, protecting health care, and investigating government corruption, while Collins has positioned himself as a strong supporter of Trump’s agenda and “America First” policies.
The race is likely to be shaped by affordability, health care, Social Security, and the political divide over Trump. Ossoff has a lead among Georgia voters overall. However, Collins holds an advantage among voters age 50 and older—a crucial voting bloc in a midterm election. With Republicans holding a 53-45 Senate majority, the outcome could also have significant national implications for control of the chamber.

● At the end of July, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, upgraded the Georgia Senate race from Lean Democratic to Likely Democratic, a designation more favorable to Ossoff. The reasons for the upgrade were Ossoff’s campaign funding prowess and his consistent strength in the polls.
● Affordability is a top concern for Georgia voters, with inflation, jobs, groceries, fuel, and utility costs shaping the election.
● Health care affordability is another major concern. Nearly three-quarters of Democrats and more than two-thirds of independents surveyed said health care was not very affordable or not affordable at all.
● Social Security is particularly important to older Georgia voters, who also rank rising prices and health care among their top concerns.
● Collins has campaigned as a strong supporter of Trump, emphasizing border security, spending cuts, tax cuts, and an “America First” agenda. He also supports the SAVE Act and local control over data-center placement.
● Ossoff has made opposition to Trump a central part of his campaign while highlighting his Senate record on prescription drug costs, housing, health care, and government oversight.
● The campaign has also focused on Collins’ record and controversies. A January House Ethics referral involved allegations concerning congressional resources, employee duties and compensation, and the hiring of a district intern.
● Data-center growth is emerging as an issue in Georgia, with voters and policymakers weighing its impact on local communities, energy demand, and utility costs.