Trump critic Ossoff defeats GOP rival to hold Georgia’s key Democratic Senate seat

A costly reelection campaign

Ossoff’s campaign raised more than $100 million, making him a major fundraiser and prompting discussion of a possible 2028 presidential bid. He criticized Trump, saying the president had used the Oval Office to benefit himself and harm the country’s political and economic system.

Collins struggled to respond

Ossoff repeatedly called Collins a bigot, citing past social media posts, communications between Collins’ former chief of staff and white supremacists, and advocacy by Collins’ son-in-law. Collins said he had always condemned racism and antisemitism. He accused Ossoff of supporting open borders, transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and voting with Sen. Bernie Sanders all the time.

Ossoff’s path in Georgia

Ossoff’s record with constituents helped him secure endorsements from some local Republican officials. They cited his work on hurricane relief, infrastructure investments and other federal funding in the historically conservative state.

Foreign policy and political criticism

Ossoff said he valued Israel’s security and the lives of innocent Palestinians. He supported some U.S. military aid to Israel and opposed other munitions grants, and said Israel’s military had violated international standards of warfare in Gaza. He left the question of genocide to the International Criminal Court.

During the campaign, Ossoff also criticized international business dealings by Trump’s sons and son-in-law. He argued that corruption in American politics extended beyond Trump, describing it as both financial and moral.