If you’re looking at the political map of the American South right now, Georgia looks a lot like a purple thumb sticking out in a sea of red. It’s been that way for a few years. Since the chaotic and historic double-runoff in January 2021, the state has been represented by two Democrats.
Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.
That’s the short answer. But honestly, if you live in Georgia or just follow the news, you know it’s never quite that simple. As of January 2026, these two are still the guys in the seats, but the ground is shifting. One of them is staring down a massive re-election fight right this second.
The Senior Senator: Jon Ossoff
First off, let's talk about Jon Ossoff. It’s kinda wild to think about, but even though both he and Warnock were sworn in on the exact same day in 2021, Ossoff is technically the Senior Senator from Georgia.
Why? Basically, it’s a weird Senate rule. Because his last name starts with "O" and Warnock’s starts with "W," and because Ossoff was elected to a full six-year term right out of the gate while Warnock was finishing an unexpired term, Ossoff gets the "senior" title.
Ossoff was only 33 when he won. He was a documentary filmmaker before he jumped into the deep end of politics. Now, in 2026, he’s 38 and deep in the weeds of some pretty heavy-duty committees. He’s on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Armed Services.
✨ Don't miss: Kaitlin Marie Armstrong: Why That 2022 Search Trend Still Haunts the News
If you’ve seen him in the news lately, he’s been leaning hard into bipartisan "bread and butter" issues. Just this month, he’s been pushing the USDA to finally release block grants for farmers hit by Hurricane Helene back in '24. He also just saw a bill he championed—the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act—become law, which helps first responders battling cancer.
The 2026 Re-election Battle
Here is the thing you really need to know: Ossoff is up for re-election this year.
The 2026 midterms are officially here. Because Georgia is a state that Donald Trump won in 2024, Ossoff is basically the #1 target for the GOP nationally. He’s currently sitting on a massive war chest—over $25 million according to recent filings.
Who is he running against? It’s a bit of a crowd.
- Mike Collins: A Republican U.S. Representative who has been polling neck-and-neck with Ossoff.
- Buddy Carter: Another GOP Congressman from the coast.
- Derek Dooley: A former football coach who has the backing of Governor Brian Kemp.
It’s going to be a long, loud, and very expensive year for Georgia TV viewers.
🔗 Read more: Jersey City Shooting Today: What Really Happened on the Ground
The Junior Senator: Raphael Warnock
Then you’ve got Reverend Raphael Warnock. If Ossoff is the policy-wonk filmmaker, Warnock is the orator. He’s still the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta—the same pulpit once held by Martin Luther King Jr.
Warnock’s path to the Senate was a marathon. He had to run in 2020, then a runoff in 2021, then again in 2022. He’s basically been in a perpetual state of campaigning since he started. But since he won his full six-year term in '22, he doesn't have to face the voters again until 2028.
In the Senate, Warnock has made a name for himself focusing on health care and agriculture. He’s currently the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight. Recently, he’s been pushing bills like the Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 and working on maternal mortality issues.
He’s got a bit more breathing room than Ossoff right now, but he’s still out there as a surrogate, trying to help his colleague hold onto that other seat.
What Most People Get Wrong About Georgia's Senators
People often think Georgia "turned blue" and stayed there. That’s not really true. The state is more of a "toss-up" than a lock for either party.
💡 You might also like: Jeff Pike Bandidos MC: What Really Happened to the Texas Biker Boss
For instance, while Ossoff and Warnock represent the state in D.C., the state government in Atlanta is still very much controlled by Republicans. Governor Brian Kemp is still very popular, and the GOP holds both chambers of the state legislature.
This creates a weird dynamic where Georgia’s U.S. Senators are often at odds with the people running their own state’s government.
A Quick Cheat Sheet: Ossoff vs. Warnock
| Feature | Jon Ossoff | Raphael Warnock |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Senior Senator | Junior Senator |
| Party | Democrat | Democrat |
| Next Election | November 2026 | November 2028 |
| Background | Documentary Filmmaker | Pastor |
| Key Focus | Ethics, Infrastructure, Agriculture | Health Care, Voting Rights, Rural Tech |
Why Does This Matter Right Now?
If you're asking "who are the senators of Georgia" because you're trying to figure out how a vote in D.C. might go, the answer is usually: strictly down the party line. Both Ossoff and Warnock are reliable votes for the Democratic leadership. However, because they represent a swing state, they both try to "color outside the lines" occasionally. You'll see them co-sponsoring bills with Republicans on things like veterans' benefits or timber industry protections. They have to. In a state where 50,000 votes can change the outcome, they can't afford to ignore the middle.
Actionable Next Steps for Georgians
If you want to keep tabs on what they’re doing or need help with a federal agency (like the VA or Social Security), here is what you can actually do:
- Check the 2026 Primary Date: The primary for Ossoff’s seat is set for May 19, 2026. If you want a say in who his opponent is (or if he faces a challenger from his own party), you need to be registered to vote by mid-April.
- Contact their Offices: Both senators have offices in Atlanta and D.C. If you’re a Georgia resident having trouble with a passport or federal benefits, their "constituent services" teams are actually pretty fast at responding.
- Track the Voting Record: You can use Congress.gov to see exactly how they voted on recent bills. Don’t just take the campaign ads’ word for it; the raw data is public.
Georgia is going to be the center of the political universe for the next ten months. Whether you like Ossoff and Warnock or you’re ready for a change, knowing who they are and what they’re actually doing in Washington is the only way to make an informed choice when November rolls around.