Senator Jon Ossoff and Congressman Mike Collins faced off on the debate stage for the first time in the race for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat.
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Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins traded sharp attacks Thursday night during their first debate, sparring over the economy, health care, and each other’s records.
The two men traded blows, attacking each other’s voting records in their opening statements.
“Tonight, a united Georgia will hear the trial of Mike Collins.“ Ossoff said in part of his opening statement.
Throughout the debate, the incumbent senator repeatedly criticized Collins’ support for tariffs and U.S. military action in Iran, arguing both have contributed to higher consumer prices.
“No one in this state seriously believes these tariffs are working, Congressman,” Ossoff said.
Collins countered by blaming high prices on policies supported by President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats.
“My opponent voted for Bidenomics that caused this historic inflation,” Collins said.
The Republican congressman spent much of the debate criticizing Ossoff’s voting record, arguing the senator’s votes do not reflect Georgia Values.
“We still haven’t heard why Jon Ossoff votes the way he does. Why he votes almost 100% of the time with Bernie Sanders,” Collins said in his closing statement.
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Health care also emerged as a major point of contention.
Ossoff criticized Collins’ support for President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” arguing its health care reductions contributed to the closure of the labor and delivery unit at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia.
“It’s a hospital in your own district, Mike, and now a delivering mother has to drive an hour to get to a facility where she can deliver safely,” Ossoff said. “It is a disgrace.”
Collins defended his position and instead blamed rising health care costs on the Affordable Care Act.
“The Affordable Care Act is what has caused your insurance to go sky high. Our premiums have gone through the roof, and the coverage has gone through the floor,” Collins responded.
The debate grew increasingly personal as the candidates exchanged accusations over character and political associations.
Ossoff accused Collins of embracing extremism, saying, “Mike Collins is a bigot, and it’s disqualifying for a candidate for the U.S. Senate.”
“Imagine being a U.S. Senator and out there recruiting, endorsing, and supporting these people that want to see Israel wiped off the map,” Collins responded.
The two are scheduled to debate next Tuesday again at the Atlanta Press Club.
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