Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) reaffirmed his commitment to serve out his full Senate term if reelected, once again quashing speculation that he is eyeing a 2028 presidential bid.
Ossoff was pressed on the possibility of running for president during a debate against his Senate opponent, Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Tuesday. When asked if he would pledge to serve the full six-year term, Ossoff answered in the affirmative.
“Yes, I will,” Ossoff said. “I have zero interest in running for president. I’m not running for president. I’m running for reelection to the Senate.”
Rumors have begun swirling this year about Ossoff aiming for the Oval Office following his pointed criticism of President Donald Trump. In August, he accused the president of neglecting his duties to build a White House ballroom and travel with aide Natalie Harp, prompting a personal response from Trump and attacks from White House officials.
Additionally, Ossoff has proven to be a giant in the fundraising sphere. According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Democrat had a whopping $42.5 million in cash on hand at the end of June.
Ossoff is the only incumbent Democratic senator in the 2026 elections defending his seat in a state that Trump won in 2024.
Collins followed up Ossoff’s presidential ambition denials on the debate stage by claiming the Democrat is playing the long game and would ultimately seek the White House. Collins also said Ossoff would move further left in 2028.
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“He is running for president. He’s going to be your DSA candidate,” Collins said, alleging Ossoff would lean into the socialist movement.
The Cook Political Report rates the Georgia Senate race as “likely Democratic.” A RealClearPolitics average of six surveys taken between Sept. 10-23 of Georgia voters showed that Ossoff had a 7.8-percentage-point advantage over Collins, 51% to 43.2%.