Georgia elections: GOP backs Collins for Senate as Jackson leads in governor race

Republican leaders have reaffirmed their financial support for U.S. Rep. Mike Collins in his campaign to unseat U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed reports that the GOP was shifting funds away from the state, stating there has been “significant investment” to encourage voter turnout for Collins.

Thune also addressed Democratic criticisms regarding Collins’ alleged connections to white supremacist figures, labeling the focus on these reports a “desperate attack” intended to distract from Ossoff’s voting record. The controversy stems from reports involving a former staffer and a relative of Collins.

In Georgia’s gubernatorial race, recent polling indicates a shift toward Republican Rick Jackson. Two polls show Jackson leading Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, with a Big Data Poll placing him at 47.6 percent against 45.7 percent among registered voters. This follows previous surveys where Bottoms held narrow leads or larger margins, suggesting potential Republican gains in the state.