Southern Georgia is one of the battleground states for the US midterm elections on November 3rd. Incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff, 39, is seen as the future of the Democratic Party, gaining broad support and gaining an advantage in the Senate race. In the Republican Party, Senate candidates aligned with unpopular President Trump are at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial election is a close race between candidates from both parties.
Midterm election campaign swings back and forth in battleground states on final weekend - US President Trump
◇Consolidate black votes
On the evening of October 29, in the final stages of the campaign, young black men gathered at a university in Atlanta to catch a glimpse of Mr. Ossoff. "If we do all we can, we can change the course of American history." As Mr. Ossoff called for votes, enthusiastic cheers echoed through the hall.
University student Noel Wilson (18) said with enthusiasm, ``It was a wonderful speech. It really resonated with young people.'' Miles Billingsley, 19, also praised him, saying, ``He has the trust of many black voters. He's doing a good job.''
Georgia has been dominated by Republicans since the 2000s, but it is considered a close state in recent presidential elections, with Trump and former Democratic President Joe Biden winning alternately.
One of the reasons behind this is the increasing population of blacks, many of whom support the Democratic Party. Andra Gillespie, an associate professor at Emory University, explained that in the state, which has one of the largest black populations in the nation, ``turnout among black voters is extremely important.'' Former Vice President Harris, who is popular among blacks, came to the rally to support him, and Ossoff's camp is busy consolidating votes.
◇Video spread makes it popular
Ossoff's video quickly gained attention across the United States. "Mr. Trump doesn't want to be president. He wants to travel with Natalie." Ossoff's speech in which he criticized Trump's close relationship with a close aide, Natalie Harp, went viral this summer. Trump's stance of directly provoking him has become popular with those critical of the administration.
Ossoff was first elected to the Senate in 2021 after managing an investigative reporting company. He is known for his handsome appearance and skillful speeches. Although he has repeatedly said, ``I have zero interest in running for president,'' if he is reelected in a battleground state, he could become a strong candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Mr. Ossoff's strength is his consideration of local voters across party lines. "It also has the support of moderate Republicans who like a bipartisan approach," said Democratic election expert Andrew Heaton.
According to local newspapers, two Republican mayors in August announced their support for Mr. Ossoff, an unprecedented move. Valdosta Mayor Matheson praised Ossoff's efforts in helping secure funding for transportation improvements.
◇Opposed to attack on Iran
The Senate race was initially expected to be a close race, but the latest polling averages from political sites show Republican Representative Mike Collins trailing Ossoff by about 8 points. With Trump's approval rating at its lowest level due to soaring fuel prices, Collins, who has made his support for Trump clear, will struggle.
Meanwhile, Republican businessman Rick Jackson, who is running for governor, remains close to Trump and is in a close race against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat.
A 56-year-old woman working in the medical field who voted early in Atlanta stopped supporting Trump after he broke his campaign promise and attacked Iran. "The governor chose Mr. Jackson, but the Senate chose Mr. Ossoff to maintain balance," he said.
