Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is gearing up for a competitive re-election campaign in 2026. He recently announced that he raised over $12 million from July through September. This substantial amount underscores his effective fundraising capabilities as he prepares for the campaign ahead.
Fundraising Achievements
As of now, Ossoff has accumulated $21 million for his campaign. However, he has already spent nearly half of what he raised in the third quarter. The intensity of his campaign reflects his strategy to maintain a strong presence in a state that historically leans Republican.
Competition and Spending
Ossoff faces formidable opponents in the Republican field. Two candidates, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley, each reported raising nearly $2 million by the end of September. They have begun to establish their presence in the race, with Collins reporting $1.9 million raised, including a $1 million transfer from his previous campaign account. Meanwhile, Dooley has $1.7 million on hand.
- Jon Ossoff: $12 million raised in Q3, $21 million total funds.
- Mike Collins: $1.9 million raised, $2.4 million cash on hand.
- Derek Dooley: $1.85 million raised, $1.7 million cash on hand.
Another Republican, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, has yet to report his total but raised $1 million and loaned his campaign an additional $2 million.
Challenges Ahead
Ossoff is also contending with external threats to his campaign funding. An outside group linked to Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced a $5 million advertising campaign aimed at opposing him. Additionally, the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group plans to spend $4.5 million against Ossoff in September.
Campaign Strategy
Ossoff has focused his campaign on contrasting his policies with those of former President Donald Trump. He aims to highlight the issues of corruption associated with money in politics. In his official role, he advocates for bipartisanship and the potential for collaborative governance in a divided Congress.
Election Landscape
The upcoming election is expected to be highly competitive and expensive. Previous election cycles in Georgia demonstrate this trend. The twin Senate races in 2020, with Ossoff and Raphael Warnock’s victories, cost over $900 million combined. In 2022, Warnock’s re-election bid against Republican Herschel Walker exceeded $470 million.
With the stakes high, both candidates and donors are preparing for what is shaping up to be a pivotal election year in Georgia.
