# U.S. Senate election endorsements and polling

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-senate-election-endorsements-and-polling
> Updated: 2026-10-09T02:21:19.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 7.

In the lead-up to the November elections, high-profile political endorsements and campaign strategies have shaped key U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests. In Georgia’s Senate race, Republican Mike Collins is attempting to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff. While Ossoff has maintained a polling lead and focused on his response to Hurricane Helene to secure Republican endorsements, the candidates recently met for their first debate on October 8.

During the debate, the candidates clashed over economic and healthcare policies. Ossoff attributed high fuel prices to tariffs and conflict in Iran, while Collins blamed the Biden administration’s policies and advocated for energy independence. On healthcare, Ossoff criticized Collins for supporting a budget package that could potentially cut Medicaid by $1 trillion over a decade. The exchange also included personal attacks, with Ossoff accusing Collins of having ties to white supremacist groups through family and campaign associates.

In Maine, Republican Susan Collins is highlighting her role as Senate Appropriations Committee chair, focusing on local projects and community benefits to counter challenger Troy Jackson. 

In Georgia’s gubernatorial race, Republican Rick Jackson holds a narrow lead over Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in recent polling. Jackson has criticized Bottoms’ 2021 decision not to seek a second term as mayor of Atlanta, while Bottoms has defended the choice as a personal matter of family and health.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Ossoff and Collins clash in Georgia Senate debate

Senators Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins debated economic policy, healthcare, and personal controversies during their first Georgia Senate matchup.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ossoff-and-collins-clash-in-georgia-senate-debate

### 2026-10-02: Senators Ossoff and Collins focus on local service for reelection

Senators Jon Ossoff and Susan Collins are leveraging local constituent services and community support to bolster their reelection bids in Georgia and Maine.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senators-ossoff-and-collins-focus-on-local-service-for-reelection

### 2026-09-28: Georgia political candidates to participate in statewide debates

Georgia gubernatorial and Senate candidates, including Rick Jackson, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Jon Ossoff, and Mike Collins, will participate in statewide televised debates in early October.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-political-candidates-to-participate-in-statewide-debates

### 2026-09-28: John Thune and Mike Collins campaign in Georgia Senate race

Senate Majority Leader John Thune joined Republican candidate Mike Collins in Atlanta to campaign against incumbent Jon Ossoff, despite polls showing Ossoff with a sizable lead in the Georgia Senate race.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-thune-and-mike-collins-campaign-in-georgia-senate-race

### 2026-09-25: Georgia elections: GOP backs Collins for Senate as Jackson leads in governor race

Republican leaders are backing Mike Collins in the Georgia Senate race against Jon Ossoff, while polls show Republican Rick Jackson gaining ground in the state's gubernatorial contest against Keisha Lance Boths

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-elections-gop-backs-collins-for-senate-as-jackson-leads-in-governor-race

### 2026-09-23: Brian Kemp endorses Mike Collins in Georgia Senate race

Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed GOP Rep. Mike Collins in the Georgia Senate race against Sen. Jon Ossoff, as new polling shows the contest tightening within the margin of error.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brian-kemp-endorses-mike-collins-in-georgia-senate-race

### 2026-09-14: Joe Manchin and Brian Kemp endorse Republican Senate candidates

Former Senator Joe Manchin has endorsed Republicans Susan Collins and Mike Rogers, while Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has backed Mike Collins in his Senate race against Democrat Jon Ossoff.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-senate-candidates-face-endorsements-and-controversies

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Cite as: U.S. Senate election endorsements and polling. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-senate-election-endorsements-and-polling