On the Record | Atlanta rejected for 2028 DNC; Ossoff rally sparks Trump exchange
Also: Rick Jackson, Keisha Lance Bottoms pitch distinct economic relief strategies focusing on tax cuts and Medicaid.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — With just over 70 days remaining before the November midterm elections, Georgia’s political landscape is experiencing a late-summer surge of shifting poll numbers, high-stakes campaign rhetoric, and strategic policy rollouts.
Recent polling from Insider Advantage indicates a significant tightening in the high-profile U.S. Senate race. Incumbent Democrat U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s lead over Republican challenger Mike Collins — which previously sat in the double digits — has narrowed.
The shift coincides with a major financial push for Collins from national Republican groups, closing what was once a wide fundraising gap. Political analysts note that campaign engagement traditionally accelerates following Labor Day, making fluctuations in late August polling expected in a historically competitive purple state.
Campaign rhetoric escalates in Senate race
The tightening polls follow a week of heightened national attention on Ossoff’s campaign tactics. During a weekend rally in Atlanta, Ossoff directly targeted former President Donald Trump, drawing attention to a close White House aide, Natalie Harp.
Ossoff’s remarks suggested Trump was neglecting official duties by traveling with staff members rather than focusing on administration priorities. The comments drew swift rebukes from the Trump campaign and the White House communications team, which labeled Ossoff’s rhetoric “sad” and politically motivated.
However, local Democratic organizers reportedly welcomed the sharper tone, viewing it as a necessary strategy to counter Republican messaging.
Adding to the nationalized nature of the race, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords campaigned in Georgia this week as high-profile surrogates for Ossoff, predicting a highly competitive finish in November.
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Both Ossoff and Kelly have frequently been discussed by national media as potential figures for the 2028 Democratic presidential ticket.
Dueling economic platforms in governor’s race
In the race for Georgia governor, both Republican nominee Rick Jackson and Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms have prioritized consumer affordability, releasing distinct policy proposals to address rising costs.
Bottoms’ economic platform centers on healthcare access, specifically advocating for the expansion of Medicaid in Georgia. Campaigning alongside Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Bottoms argued utilizing federal dollars to expand the program would directly lower costs for families, particularly following the expiration of federal Affordable Care Act subsidies last year.
Jackson, a self-made billionaire, countered with a sweeping tax overhaul plan. If elected, Jackson pledges to gradually cut the state income tax in half.
Additionally, Jackson is suggesting property assessments be tied directly to household income rather than home market value. Jackson also announced a main-street reinvestment plan aimed at providing financial support and property-ownership opportunities for historically underserved businesses in Atlanta.
Atlanta excluded from 2028 DNC consideration
Local and state Democratic officials expressed sharp frustration this week after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that Atlanta is no longer in the running to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
Atlanta had been among the top five finalists, with the Atlanta City Council setting aside $36 million in municipal funds to secure the bid.
In a letter obtained by Atlanta News First, Mayor Andre Dickens criticized the DNC’s decision-making process, accusing the national party apparatus of ignoring and “abandoning” the crucial Black voting bloc in Georgia and across the American South. City officials reportedly learned of the decision through media reports rather than direct communication from DNC leadership.
The snub comes amid ongoing internal party debates regarding the financial management of DNC Chairman Ken Martin. The DNC is now reportedly choosing between Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia to host the 2028 convention.
Competition in the state school superintendent race
Down-ballot races are also drawing increased focus as Georgia students return to classrooms. In the race for state school superintendent, GOP incumbent Richard Woods is facing a challenge from north Georgia educator Lydia Powell.
Woods, a former history teacher and private-sector administrator, is running on his decade-long track record of managing the state’s public school infrastructure. Powell’s campaign has focused on addressing declining literacy rates, seeking stable funding models for public schools, and opposing policies that redirect public education funds toward private school programs.
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