Latest news with #Ossoff
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Big money floods Georgia campaigns ahead of 2026 midterm battle
ATLANTA – A tidal wave of campaign cash is already inundating Georgia politics - long before most voters are paying attention to next year's high-stakes midterm elections. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis of newly filed state and federal disclosures shows tens of millions of dollars in contributions and loans are rapidly restocking campaign accounts - the grist for the waves of TV ads, digital messaging and staffers that will soon blanket Georgia. The early surge is only a taste of the massive spending expected to define Georgia's 2026 election cycle, when Democrats aim to retake the Governor's Mansion for the first time in nearly three decades and defend U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff's seat. But the cash infusion is already reshaping the playing field. With millions pouring in, candidates are building out their infrastructure months ahead of the traditional campaign season. The race for campaign cash is also supercharged by a 2021 state law that allows nominees for governor, lieutenant governor and other legislative leaders raise unlimited funds through leadership committees - a tool that helped Gov. Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams shatter fundraising records in their 2022 rematch. The law is under fire by a top candidate for governor. Attorney General Chris Carr filed an ethics complaint on Thursday arguing it gives his GOP rival, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, an unfair advantage by allowing Jones to stockpile millions while Carr and others can only raise a maximum of $26,400 from each donor. Senate Ossoff is a fundraising juggernaut. And so far, there's no runaway Republican favorite to challenge him. A review of second-quarter disclosures covering April to June shows he didn't just close the quarter with more than $15 million in his campaign account. Federal records show the Democratic incumbent has raised more money since 2021 than any other member of Congress facing voters in 2026. His total haul: nearly $42 million since his 2021 runoff victory - about $15 million more than the next closest U.S. senator on the list, Democrat Cory Booker of New Jersey, who built a national fundraising base during his 2020 presidential campaign. The two most prominent Republicans in the race, by contrast, raised a fraction of Ossoff's haul. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter reported $4 million on hand, aided by a $2 million personal loan. Insurance Commissioner John King disclosed about $450,000 in the bank. That financial gap could encourage other Republicans to jump in. Former football coach Derek Dooley has met with key donors in Atlanta and Washington as he readies a potential bid. And U.S. Rep. Mike Collins of Jackson has repeatedly teased a run. Governor Jones is one of the wealthiest politicians in Georgia - and he's willing to put his money where his mouth is. Jones, who confirmed the worst kept secret in state politics by officially entering the race for governor this month, reported roughly $14.3 million cash on hand - including a $10 million personal loan. That ratchets up the pressure on Carr, who jumped into the race in November to get a fundraising head start. He has stockpiled about $2.7 million in the bank, with former U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and ex-U. S. Rep. Tom Graves among his donors. Also looming are two other Republicans who could marshal giant donor networks: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Rome. The two most prominent Democratic contenders were on roughly equal financial footing, with both reporting about $1 million in the bank. Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves is drawing a chunk of his seven-figure haul from state party heavyweights, including former Gov. Roy Barnes, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Jason Carter, the party's 2014 nominee for governor. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' donor list underscores her reach into national political and entertainment circles. The former Biden administration official reported contributions from Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, rapper Clifford "T.I." Harris and media mogul Tyler Perry. Bottoms raised $900,000 and lent herself an additional $200,000. Congress In races for Congress, some embattled incumbents are already facing financial pressure from would-be opponents. Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon ended the quarter with nearly $300,000 in his campaign account - almost double the $170,000 raised by U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, the Republican incumbent he's challenging in next year's GOP primary. And Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott, who is facing several prominent primary challengers, ended the quarter with roughly $212,000 on hand, including a $45,000 loan to his own campaign. Much of his haul came from PACs; he raised just $141 from individual donors. As for Carter's open Savannah-area seat, Republican Jim Kingston emerged as the early fundraising leader with more than $850,000 in the bank. Activist Kandiss Taylor, who ran for governor in 2022 on a far-right "Jesus, Guns and Babies" platform, reported only $3,000 on hand. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Jon Ossoff's Chances of Winning as His Fundraising Outpaces Republicans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Senator Jon Ossoff outpaced his Republican challengers in the last fundraising quarter of the Georgia Senate race, expected to be one of the most competitive elections of the 2026 midterms. Ossoff's campaign manager told Newsweek the fundraising reflects "unstoppable momentum" ahead of the midterms, while a spokesperson for GOP Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said the campaign is "pleased" with the fundraising in only a six-week time frame. Why It Matters Georgia has emerged as one of the nation's newest battlegrounds. Although former President Joe Biden narrowly carried the state in 2020, President Donald Trump flipped it back into the Republican column last November. Historically, the party in the White House loses seats during the midterms, so Democrats are hoping to expand their majority, which would likely require them to hold onto all the seats they currently hold. However, Republicans view Georgia as among their best opportunities to flip a Senate seat next year. The race is likely to garner national attention—and major investments from both parties. What to Know Ossoff, first elected in 2021, led the pack in terms of fundraising from April to June, according to each campaign's quarterly report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). In total, he reported total receipts of just over $10 million for the quarter, with more than $15 million in the bank. On the Republican side, Representative Buddy Carter held a fundraising advantage over King. Carter raised over just over $1 million, along with an additional $2 million loan, and ended the quarter with about $4 million on hand. Meanwhile, King raised about $520,000 and ended the quarter with about $450,000 in the bank, according to the report. He is also transferring an additional $500,000 to a Super PAC, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. King's spokesman Dan McLagan told Newsweek the campaign is "pleased" with the fundraising. "Between what we raised for the campaign and raised to the federal PAC and transferred to the federal PAC, is over $1 million, it's a pretty solid start in six weeks," he said. McLagan added that Ossoff and the Republican nominee will likely raise $100 million by next November, noting that Georgia elections have become more expensive. "That's just the reality of these races in Georgia," he said. "We've seen it, the Republican and Democrat nominees both raise roughly the same amount of money, going up stratospherically each cycle." Ellen Foster, Ossoff's campaign manager, touted the fundraising in a statement to Newsweek. "The Ossoff campaign is building unstoppable momentum to win next November, and the small-dollar, grassroots movement is the backbone of our victorious coalition. We're grateful for the overwhelming support," she said. Newsweek also reached out to Carter's campaign for comment via his online contact form. Senator Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, speaks during a hearing in Washington, D.C. on July 9. Senator Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, speaks during a hearing in Washington, D.C. on July Breakthrough T1D How Critical Is Fundraising in Georgia Senate Race? Political Scientist Weighs In Ossoff having an early fundraising lead isn't surprising, as he has a "strong base of support, especially in the Atlanta metro," William Hatcher, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, told Newsweek on Friday. Hatcher said once Republicans decide on a candidate, their fundraising may increase. "It's also unclear the importance of being ahead in fundraising today in politics. It still matters, but we're not sure it matters as much as it once did," he said. "Research use to show that all things being equal with candidates, the one who raises the most money is likely to win. However, today in such a fractured media environment, where candidates can go viral and get coverage without spending much money, the importance of fundraising lead isn't as clear." Early polls of the race give Ossoff a lead over Carter and King. A Cygnal poll, conducted among 610 likely voters from June 16 to 18, showed him up seven points against Carter (49 to 42 percent) and 10 points against King (50 to 40 percent). It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.92 percentage points. Other Republicans like Representative Mike Collins have also floated a potential run. Governor Brian Kemp, who has enjoyed strong approval ratings in the state, opted against a Senate run. What People Are Saying William Hatcher, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, told Newsweek: "Georgia can be more expensive state than others because of the media market around Atlanta. The 2022 US Senate race also showed us that a high-profile election where both parties are focused on winning the seat can be expensive in Georgia." Kyle Kondik, analyst for Sabato's Crystal Ball, wrote in a May report: "We are keeping Georgia as a Toss-up in our ratings as we see how the field develops following Kemp's announcement, but it's closer to being Leans Democratic than Leans Republican. The opposite would have been the case, at least to start, if Kemp had run." What Happens Next? Candidates may still jump in over the coming months, and more polling could come out and indicate how competitive the race may become. The Cook Political Report currently rates Georgia as a toss-up for 2026.
Axios
7 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Scoop: GOP unveils $5 million in attack ads against Sen. Jon Ossoff
An outside group linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is launching a $5 million ad blitz against Sen. Jon Ossoff, the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent in the country. Why it matters: The ad campaign shows that Republicans are ready to spend big cash against Ossoff (D-Ga.), their top target in the midterm election. Zoom out: The commercials are being run by One Nation, a nonprofit group that is allied with the Senate Leadership Fund, the main Senate GOP super PAC. The ad begins running Thursday on broadcast and cable stations, and digitally, across the state. It attacks Ossoff for his opposition to the President Trump-backed "big, beautiful bill," focusing specifically on tax cuts that are included in the legislation. "Why did he do it, who knows? Ask him," one man says in the spot. Zoom in: The Senate Leadership Fund this spring ran a 7-figure ad campaign against Ossoff. But Ossoff will have plenty of resources of his own. He raked in a mammoth $10 million during the second quarter and has $15 million in cash on hand. "National Republicans are scrambling to defend their bill after facing intense backlash in Georgia for gutting Medicaid and defunding hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes," Ossoff campaign spokesperson Ellie Dougherty told Axios in a statement. "Georgians work hard to provide for their families, and they deserve a Senator who works just as hard for them," One Nation Executive Director Alex Latcham said in a statement. Republicans are headed for a competitive primary, after GOP Gov. Brian Kemp passed on a bid.
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
With $15 million in the bank, Jon Ossoff builds cash edge in Georgia as GOP rivals jockey
ATLANTA – Jon Ossoff said Thursday he raised more than $10 million over the last three months, ending the second quarter with $15.5 million in the bank as the Democrat prepares for what could be one of the most expensive and competitive Senate races in the nation. The report, which will be filed within days, marks Ossoff's second consecutive eight-figure fundraising haul. He amassed more than $11 million during the first three months of the year, and his campaign said it has drawn more than 387,000 individual donors since Jan. 1. His financial edge contrasts sharply with the fractured Republican primary, where several contenders are vying for President Donald Trump's blessing and no clear front-runner has emerged. So far, two prominent Republicans have entered the race: U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, who reported $4.5 million in his campaign account, and Insurance Commissioner John King, who has yet to disclose his latest financial figures. Many other potential GOP heavyweights have taken a pass. Gov. Brian Kemp declined to run despite intense pressure. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ruled herself out. And other prospects are running for governor or serving in Trump's Cabinet. But the field is far from settled. U.S. Rep. Mike Collins of Jackson has repeatedly teased a likely candidacy, saying this week that Georgians don't want "woke overlords" representing them in Washington. And former football coach Derek Dooley is testing the waters, meeting recently with Kemp-aligned donors and traveling to Washington to huddle with senior officials close to Trump. Behind the scenes, Kemp and Trump are exploring ways to avoid a bruising primary. The two met privately in Washington in May, and Kemp has urged key donors to "keep your powder dry" as they attempt to coalesce around a consensus contender. Ossoff, meanwhile, is pushing to capitalize on the Republican disarray. Though he's considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents on next year's ballot, he enters the race from a stronger position than during his 2021 runoff victory. He's worked to energize Democrats and win over swing voters disgusted with the president's policies, with a focus on Trump's cuts to public health agencies and a pledge that "Georgia will bow to no king." This weekend, he's headed straight into Carter's territory with a Saturday rally in Savannah to highlight his opposition to the massive tax and spending law that the GOP lawmaker helped pass. Ossoff's campaign said his haul was powered by small-dollar donations, with an average contribution of around $32. Roughly 98% of un-itemized donations were $100 or less, and the campaign reported contributions from 156 of Georgia's 159 counties, the campaign said. "The Ossoff campaign is building unstoppable momentum to win next November," said campaign manager Ellen Foster, "and the small-dollar, grassroots movement is the backbone of our victorious coalition." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
The Hill
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Ossoff rakes in more than $10M in latest Georgia Senate fundraising haul
Sen. Jon Ossoff's (D-Ga.) campaign announced on Thursday that it raised more than $10 million in the second quarter of fundraising this cycle, ending the quarter with $15.5 million cash on hand. Ossoff is vying for a second term in the Senate and is considered one of Republicans' best pickup opportunities next year, but his fundraising underscores picking off the first-term Georgia Democrat will be no easy feat. His campaign touted that his average campaign donation this quarter was $32, with close to 98 percent of donations received being $100 or less. His campaign received contributions from all but three of Georgia's 159 counties. 'The Ossoff campaign is building unstoppable momentum to win next November, and the small-dollar, grassroots movement is the backbone of our victorious coalition. We're grateful for the overwhelming support,' Ossoff campaign manager Ellen Foster said in a statement. Ossoff's second quarter fundraising is slightly lower than the more than $11 million his campaign touted in the first fundraising quarter of this year, though both fundraising quarter underscore a steady cash stream and an increasing war chest. Ossoff ended the second quarter with $15.5 million in the bank, compared to the $11 million he ended the bank with in the first quarter. His campaign has also touted enthusiastic grassroots energy and excitement around his reelection, pointing out on Thursday that more than 1,700 people have indicated they want to volunteer for his campaign. While Republicans see Ossoff as one of their best shots of flipping a Senate seat next year, the GOP has yet to rally around a clear candidate. Insurance Commissioner John King and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) have launched bids, but the others could enter the race, too, like Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley.
