Full Breakdown
Republican Endorsements Bolster Jon Ossoff in Georgia Senate Race
8/7/2026, 11:42:08 PM
Cross-Party Endorsements Highlight Ossoff’s Appeal
In the weeks before the November 2026 Senate election, Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff secured endorsements from three Republicans: former U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson, and Tifton Mayor Julie Smith. Conservative commentator Erick Erickson noted that farmers and local officials can reach Ossoff’s office directly.
Polling Shows Growing Republican Support
Recent surveys show modest Republican backing for Ossoff. An AARP poll (1,060 likely voters, July 13-16) found 7 % of Republicans would support Ossoff, giving him a 52-43 lead. A Wick poll (1,175 Georgia voters, June 27-30) reported 9 % Republican support and a 47-43 lead. A Fox News poll (1,002 voters, June 23-27) showed 10 % Republican backing and a 56-43 lead. The Cook Political Report rates the race “Lean Democratic,” while Sabato’s Crystal Ball lists it “Likely Democratic.” Prediction markets place Ossoff’s chance of victory at 92 % on Kalshi and 93 % on Polymarket.
Background: A Tight 2026 Georgia Contest
Georgia’s Senate seat is a focal point of the 2026 midterms. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican nominee Mike Collins, calling him a “MAGA warrior.” Collins faces a House ethics investigation over alleged misuse of taxpayer funds and accusations that his son-in-law, David Alan Sheer II, has promoted extremist rhetoric. A coalition of Black pastors in Atlanta has asked Collins to clarify his stance. By contrast, Ossoff’s record on affordable health care and bipartisan outreach has drawn praise from conservatives outside the state.
Official Statements & Responses
Ossoff thanked the mayors, saying the bipartisan coalition reflects “what Georgians have in common.” Collins’s campaign denied the allegations of extremist ties and said the ethics probe does not affect his ability to serve.
Conflicting Poll Figures
The three polls differ in sample size and reported Republican support for Ossoff (7 %, 9 %, 10 %) and Democratic support for Collins (2 %, 7 %, 3 %). Margins of error range from ±2.9 to ±3 percentage points, indicating a trend of modest cross-party backing for the Democratic incumbent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm still a conservative Republican. But character matters. And I want someone in that seat who takes the institution seriously and will protect the institution,” — S. Sen. Jeff Flake
- “I will take heat for this endorsement, and it doesn't matter,” — Scott James Matheson, Valdosta mayor
- “He's been very good to South Georgia,” — Julie Smith, Tifton mayor
- “You talk to farmers in South Georgia, they can get him on the phone. They can get his staff on the phone. They can get help,” — Erick Erickson
