Ossoff Projected Winner in Georgia Senate Race as Collins Concedes

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is expected to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate. The Associated Press projected Ossoff as the winner shortly after 8:33 p.m. on Tuesday. NBC News and CBS News issued the same projection.

Ossoff defeated U.S. Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia’s 10th congressional district. This result ends a competitive campaign that featured personal attacks between the two candidates. The Associated Press noted that Ossoff was the only Senate Democrat seeking reelection in a state President Donald Trump won in 2024. Holding the seat was critical for Democrats hoping to flip control of the Senate.

Rep. Collins conceded the race in a speech delivered just before 8:30 p.m. He thanked his team and offered a blessing for the state. "I couldn't have done this without my team," Collins said. ".. God bless you, and God bless Georgia."

The gubernatorial race in Georgia remains too close to call, according to NBC News. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson are fighting for the top office. Voters had until 7 p.m. Tuesday to cast their ballots. Those who were in line by that time were permitted to vote. If neither candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote plus one, a runoff election will be held on Dec. 1.

Voters expressed confidence in Ossoff’s ability to engage younger demographics. Jennifer Gray, a 63-year-old retired IRS employee, spoke to the Associated Press about the turnout. "Ossoff, he talks to them," Gray said. "And because he’s younger, they’re listening to him."

Ossoff has served in the U.S. Senate since January 2021. He won his initial seat in a runoff election. His campaign focused on healthcare for pregnant women and children, mental health care for veterans, and funding for historically Black colleges and universities in Georgia.

The race for governor featured a clash between a former mayor and a healthcare investor. Bottoms served as Atlanta mayor from 2018 to 2022. Jackson, a 72-year-old businessman, campaigned on his business experience and his history of growing up in poverty. He ran with the support of former President Trump, who introduced him at a rally in Dalton.

Bottoms criticized Jackson for skipping debates. The Georgia Recorder reported on Oct. 12 that Jackson was the first gubernatorial candidate to miss a major debate series since 1994. Bottoms faced an empty podium at the Atlanta Press Club debate after Jackson declined to participate. She questioned what voters could expect from a candidate who avoids unscripted questions.

The election followed a period of high voter engagement. Early voting ended on Friday, and the deadline to request absentee ballots passed on Oct. 23. Georgia law requires voters to present a photo ID, whether voting in person or by absentee mail. The My Voter Page website allowed residents to verify their eligibility and locate polling places.

Ossoff and Bottoms campaigned together at multiple rallies this fall. Former President Barack Obama also joined them to support the Democratic ticket. In contrast, Collins and Jackson appeared together only once at a recent Trump rally in Dalton. The final results for the governor's race will determine if Georgia needs a second round of voting in December.