Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) launched his campaign to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026, making him the first Republican to jump in the battleground race. Carter billed himself as a “MAGA warrior” in his campaign announcement video released on Thursday.

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.

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,