Republican mayors in South Georgia have publicly endorsed Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff for reelection over his Republican challenger, Rep. Mike Collins, in Georgia’s 2026 Senate race.
Two Republican mayors—Scott James Matheson of Valdosta and Julie Smith of Tifton—announced their support for Ossoff, citing his constituent services and responsiveness to their communities as key factors. Both mayors, who identify as Republicans, stated that Ossoff’s record of assisting their regions outweighed partisan considerations.
Matheson and Smith’s endorsements were detailed in a report by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with Smith stating that Ossoff has been “very good” to the region. “I’m a Republican, but there are times when a person exceeds the party. They go above and beyond,” she said. Matheson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Ossoff’s accessibility to local leaders and constituents.
The endorsements come as Georgia remains a competitive battleground in the 2026 midterms. While national trends may favor Democrats amid President Donald Trump’s declining approval, Georgia has historically leaned conservative and narrowly supported Trump in 2024. The race is viewed as one of the most dynamic in the country, with both parties closely monitoring developments.
Conservative commentator Erick Erickson also highlighted Ossoff’s cross-party appeal in a discussion on the Politically Georgia podcast. “You talk to farmers in South Georgia. They can get him on the phone. They can get his staff on the phone. They can get help,” Erickson said. “You talk to Republicans in Houston County, a very Republican part of the state. They know that they can reach out to Ossoff.”
Ossoff responded to the endorsements in a statement to Newsweek: “I’m deeply grateful to Mayors Smith and Matheson for their support and for their leadership in Tifton, Valdosta, and across South Georgia. Georgians have much more in common than apart, and that’s why we are building such a strong bipartisan coalition to serve our state.”
The Collins campaign has not publicly responded to requests for comment as of publication.
Background: Georgia’s Senate Race Dynamics
Georgia’s Senate race is shaping up as a high-stakes contest in the 2026 midterms, with both parties investing significant resources. The state’s political landscape has shifted in recent years, becoming more competitive despite its traditionally conservative lean. Ossoff, first elected in 2020, is seeking a second term, while Collins, a Republican representative, is challenging him.
The endorsements from Matheson and Smith reflect a broader trend of local officials prioritizing constituent service over party loyalty. Their support underscores Ossoff’s reputation for responsiveness, particularly in rural areas of the state where infrastructure and economic development are key issues.
Political analysts note that while national trends may favor Democrats, Georgia’s conservative history and recent electoral patterns suggest a close race. The endorsements add a layer of complexity to the campaign, highlighting the potential for cross-party alliances in competitive districts.