Politics
Ossoff reports $26 million for Georgia Senate campaign as Collins has about $1 million
New federal disclosures show a sharp cash-on-hand advantage for Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff over Republican nominee Mike Collins heading into the final stretch of Georgia’s Senate race. Collins’ balance is also below those reported by several recent Republican Senate candidates at comparable points in their campaigns.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff had roughly $26 million in campaign cash available for the final stretch of Georgia’s Senate race, compared with barely $1 million for Republican nominee Mike Collins, according to the latest federal fundraising disclosures released in October.
The gap leaves Collins, a U.S. representative, with a financial challenge as he tries to close the distance with Ossoff and make the case to Georgia and national Republicans that his campaign remains competitive. Cash on hand can help campaigns pay for advertising, staff and voter outreach, though the figures alone do not determine the outcome of a race.
Collins’ reported balance is low compared with several Republican candidates in recent Georgia Senate contests. Herschel Walker had $7.4 million in the bank at a similar stage of his 2022 campaign. David Perdue reported about $8.2 million before his 2020 race against Ossoff, while Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson had about $2.2 million heading into October 2016, during a less competitive reelection campaign.
The comparison underscores the scale of the fundraising disadvantage Collins faces as the contest enters its closing weeks. Ossoff, elected in 2021, is seeking a second term in a state where Senate races have drawn national attention and substantial spending in recent election cycles.
The disclosures also offered an early look at preparations for Georgia’s 2028 Senate race. Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock reported more than $4.1 million on hand, while Republican U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, a potential challenger, had $1.3 million. Republican U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, whose Senate bid failed this year, reported about $60,000 in cash and $3.5 million in debt, reflecting loans he made to his campaign.