Georgia voters will choose among six candidates for U.S. Senate on Nov. 3, with Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins offering different approaches to prices, health care and immigration. The outcome also matters beyond Georgia: Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the Senate.
Libertarian Allen Buckley and independents Elbert “Al” Bartell, Chris Capparell and DeVelle Jackson are also on the ballot. To win outright, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. If no one does, the top two finishers would compete in a Dec. 1 runoff.
Where the candidates differ
Tariffs are one point of disagreement. Ossoff argues that tariffs backed by Collins have increased costs for consumers and businesses. Collins says they can produce fairer trade and encourage companies to manufacture goods domestically. Collins also argues that spending during former President Joe Biden’s administration contributed to inflation; he favors lower taxes, fewer regulations and more domestic energy production as ways to bring costs down.
On health care, Ossoff backs the Affordable Care Act, federal support for rural hospitals and wider Medicaid access. Collins favors market-based changes, clearer prices and expanded health savings accounts. Ossoff has pointed to federal funding for Georgia hospitals as part of his record.
Collins supports President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement and deportation policies. Ossoff calls for tighter border security while advocating more humane treatment in detention facilities. Collins was the lead House sponsor of the Laken Riley Act, which increased detention requirements for some immigrants accused of crimes. Ossoff voted for the measure as well.
Records and Senate stakes
Ossoff won his seat in a January 2021 runoff. His victory and fellow Democrat Raphael Warnock’s win gave their party Senate control at the start of Biden’s presidency. Now seeking a second term, Ossoff is emphasizing health care, infrastructure and oversight, including investigations into conditions in federal prisons and military housing.
Collins is a two-term congressman and trucking executive whose district lies east of Atlanta. He has aligned himself with Trump’s tax, energy and immigration agenda. Ossoff heads into the final weeks with polling and fundraising advantages, while Collins has Trump’s support and is campaigning in a state Trump recently won.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority; that count includes two independents who caucus with Democrats. Holding Ossoff’s seat is therefore part of Democrats’ path to a majority, while a Collins victory would add to Republicans’ seats.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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