Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, and CBS News reports that Democrats are hoping to flip four of them while defending their own in a handful of key races. Georgia sits inside that math, and CBS News writes that the state could be key to determining control of the Senate this cycle. The Associated Press, in wire copy carried by PBS NewsHour, reports that the outcome will help determine control of Capitol Hill for the final years of Trump's second presidency.
It also reports that Ossoff faces pressure to hold his seat as Democrats try for that net gain of four. He is the only Democrat seeking reelection from a state Trump carried in 2024, the Associated Press reports, which makes him a top GOP target. CBS News calls him "the most endangered member of his caucus" this cycle. Fox News reports that Republicans are targeting the first term senator heavily.
CBS News reports that Ossoff defeated incumbent Sen. David Perdue and Raphael Warnock defeated Kelly Loeffler on Jan. 5, 2021, giving Democrats control of the Senate for the first time in six years in a 50-50 chamber with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote. CBS News reports Biden took 49.5% of the Georgia vote to Trump's 49.26% in 2020, a margin of 11,779 votes. Four years later, with 99% of jurisdictions reporting, CBS News reports Trump led by about 2 percentage points and took the state's 16 electoral votes.
Collins owns a trucking business and has represented Georgia in the House since 2023, CBS News reports, which also notes allegations that he misused congressional funds, now under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The Associated Press reports he sponsored the Laken Riley Act, the 2025 law requiring that immigrants accused of certain crimes be detained. Fox News reports Trump endorsed him two days before the runoff against Derek Dooley, calling Collins a "true Friend, Fighter, and WARRIOR, who has been with us from the very beginning."
The money is lopsided. Roll Call reports that Ossoff's campaign ended the second quarter with nearly $43 million in his account, while Collins had $2.1 million available. The Associated Press reports Ossoff raised over $10 million from April through June. CBS News reports Collins called Ossoff an "out-of-touch far-left liberal", while Ossoff tied Collins to Trump's agenda on trade, Iran and tax legislation, saying those policies have "increased costs for Americans" and adding, "I don't care about nicknames."
At a Savannah campaign stop, Collins answered a question about compensating people improperly targeted by the federal government, asked by a Jan. 6 defendant whose case was dismissed under Trump’s clemency order.
“When the federal government harms you, then yes, they have a liability too. That's easy. Yes”
Collins spoke at a press conference where reporters asked about online statements by his son-in-law.
“But Jon Ossoff refuses to disavow these democrat socialist movements in our country.”
In Associated Press copy on the runoff results, Collins referred to the decades he spent building his trucking company.
“You see, I know what it's like to have employees and their families count on you to make the right decisions every day. Jon Ossoff doesn't”
Collins spoke in his victory speech after winning the Republican Senate runoff in Georgia.
“It’s time to get to work, defeat Jon Ossoff, and take this seat back for the people of this state”
Collins answered a question about whether Trump's endorsement in the runoff arrived too late to affect the race.
“I don't think President Trump ever is too late. He has this impeccable ability of putting his thumb right on the scale at the right time with whatever he wants to do.”
Ossoff addressed a crowd in Atlanta during his reelection campaign, in remarks about President Trump.
“Our task is not just to contain his wickedness but to cure the rot that gave rise to it”
Ossoff spoke to NPR at a campaign stop in coastal Brunswick, Georgia.
“My goal from the moment I was elected has been to serve the state with excellence”
Ossoff spoke at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta before pointing to the cost of groceries, utilities, coffee, school supplies and farm equipment.
“I want the president's remaining supporters to hear this because it was all a lie”
At the same Atlanta rally, Ossoff addressed the administration's handling of the war with Iran.
“While the sailors on the Lincoln fight his war … the president sleeps through his meetings. He golfs and trades stocks”
Ossoff said this at his own press conference in Washington, DC, on the same day reporters questioned Collins about his son-in-law's online activity.
“The congressman still, two weeks later, refuses to answer whether he or his businesses paid this neo-Nazi”
Platforms are on the candidates' own sites, linked above.