Dem senator says 'zero interest in running for president' in debate with GOP opponent

Incumbent Sen. John Ossoff, D-Ga., who has repeatedly shot down the prospect of mounting a 2028 presidential bid, reiterated his position during a Tuesday night Georgia U.S. Senate debate.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution chief political reporter Greg Bluestein pressed Ossoff about the issue during the Atlanta Press Club U.S. Senate debate at the Georgia Public Broadcasting studios.

"Senator Ossoff, you've repeatedly said you won't run for president in 2028, but your name continues to surface as a potential contender," Bluestein said, adding, "So will you pledge right now tonight to serve your full six-year term if you win?"

"Yes, I will," Ossoff replied. "I have zero interest in running for president. I'm not running for president. I'm running for re-election to the Senate." 

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Democratic Senate candidate, Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., speaks during a campaign event at the Georgia Theater on Sept. 13, 2026 in Athens, Ga. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

The Democrat faces Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., in the Peach State contest, a Republican congressman who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since early 2023.

Collins pushed during the debate, saying Ossoff "is running for president" and will "be your DSA candidate," apparently referring to the Democratic Socialists of America.

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Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., arrives for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Ossoff has served in the U.S. Senate since early 2021.

While President Donald Trump has endorsed Collins, former President Barack Obama is backing Ossoff.

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The state — which currently has a Republican governor and two Democratic senators — went to Trump in the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections and to Joe Biden in 2020.