As Georgia voters prepare to cast ballots this fall, polling from late June and early July paints a divided picture across two marquee statewide contests. One survey gives incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff a clear advantage over Republican Rep. Mike Collins, while the race for governor looks more contested after a June runoff reshaped the Republican ticket.
Senate: Ossoff ahead in recent polls
Data released July 1 by Fox News showed Ossoff leading Collins 56% to 43%, a gap larger than the poll’s reported margin of error. A separate poll from Wick, published in early July, found a narrower Ossoff edge at 46.7% to 42.9%, with roughly 10.4% of respondents still undecided. Both surveys sampled voters near the end of June, shortly after the Republican runoff that finalized Collins as the GOP nominee.
| Poll | Ossoff | Collins | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox News (July 1) | 56% | 43% | — |
| Wick (early July) | 46.7% | 42.9% | 10.4% |
Governor’s race reshaped by runoff
The Republican primary produced a June runoff in which health-care executive Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who had received a last-minute endorsement from outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp. Jackson will face former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election as the governor’s mansion changes hands because Kemp is term-limited after two terms.
Early polling suggests the governor’s contest could be closer and more competitive than the Senate race. Voters in Georgia may split their tickets this year, supporting candidates from different parties for different offices — an outcome that could determine control in tight statewide contests.
Campaign dynamics and messaging
Ossoff has increased his visibility on television and social platforms while addressing speculation about potential future ambitions. His campaign has criticized Collins on multiple fronts, including allegations of corruption and support for expanded military action, and has highlighted Collins’ statements on the 2020 presidential outcome.
- Timing: Polls cited were collected at the end of June and released in late June/early July.
- Nominees: Ossoff (D) vs. Collins (R) for U.S. Senate; Rick Jackson (R) vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) for governor.
- Context: Kemp is term-limited; Republicans held a runoff that concluded in June.
With months remaining before the midterm elections, campaigns are likely to intensify advertising, outreach and debates. Voter turnout patterns and late-deciding voters — who accounted for a visible share in at least one poll — could prove decisive in both contests.
Local voters and civic groups looking for reliable information on registration deadlines, early voting dates and polling locations should consult county election offices and the Georgia Secretary of State’s official website for the latest guidance as the fall election approaches.
Reporting for News Block, Imani Walker.
