U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter on Thursday became the first Republican to jump into the race to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026, as other hopefuls maneuver following Gov. Brian Kemp's announcement that he won't seek the seat.

Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter became the first high-profile Republican to announce a challenge to vulnerable Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.

The Georgia Senate race will be one of the most competitive in the 2026 election cycle as a challenger emerges for Democrat Jon Ossoff.