ATLANTA, Ga. — Republican David Perdue (Incumbent) is facing off in a Jan. 5 runoff against Democrat Jon Ossoff for a U.S. Senate seat. This seat and Georgia’s other U.S. Senate seat that’s also in a runoff will decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Voters elected Perdue to the Senate in 2014 election. He ran for election after the retirement of republican Saxby Chambliss. Others who have held this seat include Sam Nunn and Richard Russell, both Democrats.
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David Perdue (R) Incumbent
Background:
David Perdue was born in Macon and raised in Warner Robins. He’s first cousin to former Georgia Governor and current Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He has a Bachelor of Arts in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in operations management from Georgia Tech. Perdue served as the CEO of Dollar General and Reebok as well as a senior manager at companies such as Haggar Clothing and Sara Lee. He ran his first political campaign in 2015 and was elected to a U.S. Senate seat.
Where he stands on the issues:
Healthcare: Perdue supports protecting pre-existing conditions through his PROTECT Act, though the act has come under criticism. He wants to reduce the price of prescription drugs and stop surprise medical billings. He supports repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act.
Jobs & Economy: Perdue often touts his background in business. He supported the tax cuts, saying they will spur future economic growth and lead to increased tax revenues to pay for the cuts. He helped roll back regulations on the energy industry, believing they crippled community and regional banks.
Coronavirus: Perdue encourages people to wear masks, wash their hands and practice social distancing. He helped pass the CARES Act, which led to billions in relief to the states including Georgia. Perdue also authored the SCHOOL Act which give federal grants to schools, but only if they reopen with either remote or in-person learning.
Candidate Website: perduesenate.com
Jon Ossoff (D)
Background:
Jon Ossoff is a Georgia native and the CEO of a media production company that specializes in investigative documentaries. He has a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. Previously, he ran for Congress in Georgia’s 6th Congressional District but lost to Karen Handel. He served as a national security aide for Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson. His wife Alisha is an OB/GYN.
Where he stands on the issues:
Healthcare: Ossoff supports a public health insurance option and wants to strengthen the Affordable Care Act. He also supports expanding and strengthening Medicaid. Ossoff supports protection of pre-existing conditions.
Jobs & Economy: Ossoff wants to see direct emergency relief for people during this pandemic. He advocates for lower taxes on all but the wealthiest Americans. He also supports creating a nationwide infrastructure upgrade as a way to create jobs and economic prosperity.
Coronavirus: Ossoff’s wife Alisha is a doctor who recovered from COVID-19. He calls the Trump Administration’s response to the pandemic incompetent. Ossoff believes in using the military, including the Army Corps of Engineers and medical units, to increase hospital capacity and to get better equipment to medical teams. He calls for more transparency and for the use of intense short-term efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Candidate Website: electjon.com