U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter has announced his run for the 2026 Senate race in Georgia, aiming to challenge and unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, Carter, presently serving his fifth term and a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy with a significant $2.3 million ad campaign embracing the title "MAGA Warrior."
In his campaign announcement, Carter has positioned himself as a counterpoint to Senator Ossoff, casting his opponent as out of touch with Georgia's values. "I’m running for U.S. Senate. Georgians will have a very simple choice in 2026: do you want a MAGA warrior for you or do you want a trans warrior for they/them? I’m with you. You can guess where Jon Ossoff is. Game on," Carter posted on X as per WJCL, where he reiterated his commitment to representing the interests of traditional Georgians.
I’m running for U.S. Senate.
— Buddy Carter (@Buddy_Carter) May 8, 2025
Georgians will have a very simple choice in 2026: do you want a MAGA warrior for you or do you want a trans warrior for they/them?
I’m with you. You can guess where Jon Ossoff is.
Game on. pic.twitter.com/0epntUGa2O
Carter's resume includes past roles such as the mayor of Pooler, Georgia and stints in the Georgia General Assembly, as well as ownership of Carter's Pharmacy, Inc. His legislative efforts have occasionally taken an unconventional path; earlier this year, he introduced a proposal that would authorize the purchase of Greenland and rename it "Red, White, and Blueland", as noted by FOX 5 Atlanta. Nonetheless, his focus on committee assignments, such as the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Budget Committee, reflect a more traditional legislative approach.
The political field for the Republican nomination could become crowded. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has opted out of the race, stating his commitment to supporting a strong Republican candidate, potentially paving the way for other hopefuls such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and State Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Nevertheless, Carter has become the first to formally announce a bid for this high-stakes race.
Over at Ossoff's campaign, the response to Carter's entry was resolute. A spokesperson said, ""Senator Ossoff will defeat any challenger. While the GOP primary field scrambles to outmaneuver each other and audition for Donald Trump’s support, Senator Ossoff’s campaign is already building the most effective and unstoppable turnout effort in Georgia’s history," according to statements obtained by WJCL. Despite Carter's assertive beginning, Ossoff's team remains undeterred, setting the stage for a deeply competitive race ahead.
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