Full Breakdown
Republican Mayors Endorse Jon Ossoff Over Trump-Backed Mike Collins
9/8/2026, 3:19:25 AM
Core Event
In the 2024 Georgia U.S. Senate race, three Republican mayors—Gail Fry of Toccoa, James Matheson of Valdosta, and Julie Smith of Tifton—publicly endorsed Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff, rejecting the candidate, Mike Collins, who is backed by President Donald Trump. The mayors cited Ossoff’s assistance in securing an $8.4 million federal grant for natural-gas infrastructure and his personal outreach to local officials. Their endorsements represent a notable departure from party-line support for the Trump-favored Republican.
Background & Context
Mike Collins entered the race after winning the Republican primary, receiving repeated praise from Trump, who described Collins as a “WARRIOR and WINNER” and highlighted his support among “Highly Respected MAGA Patriots.” Ossoff, first elected in 2021, has faced frequent criticism from Trump, including personal insults on Truth Social that likened Ossoff to the comedy character Pee-wee Herman.
Mayoral Endorsements and Rationale
Matheson, describing himself as a “hard-core conservative,” called his friendship with Ossoff “incredible” and said he would “take heat for this endorsement.”
Official Statements & Responses
The mayors’ endorsements, however, signal a willingness among some local Republican leaders to prioritize constituent services over national party alignment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t have to track him down. He tracks me down,” — Julie Smith, of Tifton
- “Mike is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected MAGA Patriots in Georgia and beyond, and many Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate — He is a WARRIOR and WINNER!” — Donald Trump, aren’t backing president
