ATLANTA — Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Mike Collins faced off in their first debate Thursday, exchanging sharp criticism over the economy, tariffs and each other’s records ahead of Georgia’s November midterm election.
During the Atlanta News First debate, the candidates addressed several issues, including the war in Iran, health care and the rising cost of living. The discussion also included personal attacks from both candidates.
Ossoff blamed President Donald Trump and Collins for rising costs facing Georgians.
“Our economy is being strangled by Donald Trump and Mike Collins’ economic record,” Ossoff said.
Collins pushed back, blaming Ossoff’s support for economic policies under former President Joe Biden for higher prices.
“My opponent voted for this Biden-nomics that causes historic inflation. Not just on gas, gas is too high and we’re bringing that down, but on everything that you purchase out there,” Collins said.
The candidates also disagreed over Trump’s tariffs, with Collins defending the measures as a way to improve trade.
“We’ll have an economic boom not only just bringing goods in, but being able to ship goods out because the tariffs are making it fair,” Collins said.
Ossoff criticized the tariffs, arguing they are contributing to higher costs in Georgia.
“These tariffs are crushing our state,” Ossoff said.
The Democratic senator also pledged to repeal the tariffs if Democrats gain control of the U.S. Senate.
Beyond economic issues, the debate featured personal accusations between the two candidates.
Ossoff accused Collins of having ties to white nationalists and criticized his character.
“Mike Collins has brought dishonor to our state through his personal bigotry and his widely documented ties to white nationalists,” Ossoff said.
Collins responded by criticizing Ossoff’s political positions and record in office.
“My opponent is a radical, and he has left our state less safe, more expensive, and worse off,” Collins said.
The candidates continued exchanging criticism, with Ossoff calling Collins unfit to serve in the Senate.
“Mike Collins is a bigot and it’s disqualifying for a candidate for the US Senate,” Ossoff said.
Collins also accused Ossoff of supporting dangerous political ideas.
“He doesn’t represent us. He wants to take control of this country with these weird and dangerous ideas with his radical friends,” Collins said.
The two candidates are scheduled to meet for another debate on Tuesday, Oct. 13, the same day early voting begins in Georgia.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.
