Congressman Buddy Carter has become the first Republican to jump into the race to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) announced a campaign to oust Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) from one of the Democrats’ most vulnerable seats. Carter, a six-term incumbent, launched his Senate campaign with a “MAGA Warrior” ad Thursday morning,

Georgia Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter on Thursday became the first high-profile Republican to announce a challenge to vulnerable Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, formally kicking off what is anticipated to be a highly competitive and expensive race for the seat in 2026.