Georgia Mayors Endorse Democrat Jon Ossoff Over Republican Mike Collins

Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson and Tifton Mayor Julie Smith, both Republicans from deep‑red South Georgia, publicly endorsed Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in his 2026 Senate re‑election bid. The mayors said Ossoff’s constituent service and ability to bring federal resources to their communities outweighed partisan loyalty, noting his response after devastating hurricanes and a $2 million transit project for Valdosta. Their bipartisan support highlights challenges for Republican Senate nominee Mike Collins, a Trump‑backed candidate who has struggled to unite his party after a bruising primary. The endorsements underscore a perceived weakness in Collins’ campaign and illustrate a rare crossing of party lines in a region where former President Donald Trump won by large margins in 2024.