‘New Barack Obama’ becomes new clear frontrunner for 2028 presidential race

Democratic senator Jon Ossoff has enjoyed a hugely successful night in the US midterm elections - and his odds of becoming the next American president have dramatically risen.

The senator for Georgia is now given a 24 per cent change of becoming the next presidential nominee for the Democrats, jumping up nine per cent in the past day.

His odds of going on to win the 2028 presidential election are now at 18 per cent chance, up from 10.5 per cent the day before - four points ahead of the second placed Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and five points ahead of vice president JD Vance.

Ossoff strolled to victory against Republican challenger Mike Collins in a crucial seat for the Democrats, securing more than 2.4 million votes and 58.9 per cent of the vote.

The 39-year-old, who is the chamber’s youngest member and was elected senator during in a 2021 election run-off, gave a rousing speech lashing out at “lame duck” Trump.

He has drawn comparisons to former president Barack Obama, a strong orator with a progressive-centrist appeal who represents a youthful choice in an era of ageing presidents.

"Together, we’ve affirmed that our task is not just to contain one president’s wickedness, but to heal the brokenness beneath," Ossoff told a crowd of voters on Tuesday evening.

"The American people have rebuked the depravity, corruption and incompetence of the failed lame duck president Donald J. Trump."

His seat had initially been one of the primary Republican targets, as he was the only Democratic senator seeking reelection in a state won by Trump in 2024.

But his successful campaign, which sharply criticised the administration and lashed out at “a failed president” who he accused of abusing his position for personal financial gain while undermining the nation's economic and political foundations.

The campaign brought in more than $100 million in donations, fuelling speculation he could lead a charge for the 2028 presidency.

Collins, who was repeatedly criticised by Ossoff for being a “bigot” in part due to his past social media posts, was unable to match the momentum behind the Democrat’s campaign.

Ossoff has been unsparing in his blistering attacks on the US president, his family and his allies, an approach that has seen him push his way into the foreground of US politics

He now poses a significant challenge to former frontrunner Ocasio-Cortez for the Democratic presidential candidacy, projected to face off with Vance in 2028.

Ossoff has surpassed Gavin Newsom, once a clear favourite for the candidacy with his chances rated at 40 per cent on Polymarket, before he dropped to 15 per cent.

Elsewhere, progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history, after a stunning victory in key swing state Michigan.

In what is being described as a “Blue Tsunami”, the Democrats won back full control of both chambers of Congress, in a stark rebuke to Trump two years into his second presidency.