ATLANTA — Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Congressman Mike Collins exchanged sharp criticism during an Atlanta Press Club debate as the two candidates compete for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat.
The candidates clashed over several issues, including the war in Iran, rising fuel prices, immigration, abortion and allegations involving their political associations.
One of the most contentious exchanges came when Ossoff called on Collins to address allegations involving his son-in-law, whom Ossoff accused of producing neo-Nazi propaganda.
“You elevate to positions of leadership in your political organization, people with ties to the Ku Klux Klan, you want to explain that to folks across Georgia?” Ossoff asked.
Collins also challenged Ossoff over campaign donations from a major donor mentioned in the Epstein files.
The candidates traded personal criticism throughout the debate, with Collins accusing Ossoff of avoiding difficult questions.
“Behind his highly skilled scripted online clips is a coward,” Collins said.
The war in Iran was another major point of disagreement.
Collins defended his support for the conflict, arguing that military action is necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
“We’re in Iran to make sure they don’t get a nuclear bomb and destroy America. Because that’s what they wanna do,” Collins said.
Ossoff questioned the benefits of the war, arguing that the conflict has contributed to higher prices for Georgia residents.
“Iran still has its uranium, its drones, its missiles; how has this war helped Georgians?” Ossoff asked.
The candidates also disagreed over rising fuel costs and their impact on household expenses.
“Diesel is at its all-time high, unleaded is at $4. 40% of Americans are cutting food and health costs because they can’t afford gas,” Ossoff said.
Collins acknowledged the higher diesel prices but expressed confidence that costs would decline as supplies increase.
“Diesel prices are high, the supply is coming now and the prices will continue to come down,” Collins said.
According to AAA, the average price for regular gasoline in metro Atlanta is $3.80 per gallon.
The debate also included questions about the candidates’ political futures.
When asked whether he would support impeaching President Donald Trump, Ossoff said he believes the president’s conduct has already surpassed previous standards for impeachment.
“In my view, based upon the evidence I’ve seen thus far, the president’s misconduct, abuse of power and corruption, already exceed any prior standard for impeachment. If the U.S. House does send us articles of impeachments, then I’ll consider them on the merits as a juror in the Senate,” Ossoff said.
Collins also pressed Ossoff about speculation surrounding a possible presidential campaign in 2028, asking whether he would commit to serving a full six-year Senate term if reelected.
“Yes I will. I have zero interest in running for president. I’m not running for president, I’m running for re-election to the Senate,” Ossoff responded.
The debate comes as Georgians begin casting ballots in the midterm elections.
Early in-person voting continues through October 30.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.
