Georgia's Senate and governor races test Trump's political influence

Georgia's Senate and gubernatorial races serve as a test of President Donald Trump's political influence. In a key battleground state heading into the high-stakes midterm elections, Trump is set to hold a rally in Dalton. The state is closely watching the races, with GOP Senate candidate Rep. Mike Collins vying to unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and businessman and gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson facing off against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Georgia Democrats aim to tie their Republican opponents to Trump's unpopularity, particularly on economy and war with Iran. The two Republican nominees have taken different approaches. Collins has embraced Trump, hoping to rally the MAGA base, while Jackson has distanced himself to appeal to moderates. ABC News currently rates the Georgia Senate race as likely Democrat and the gubernatorial race as a toss-up.

Collins has remained loyal to Trump, focusing on issues like the Iran war and tariffs that have become unpopular among Americans. In debates, Collins avoided discussing these topics, opting instead to blame Trump for diesel price increases. Despite this strategy, recent polls show that many Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs (69%) and military action against Iran (59%).

Collins' ties to Trump have raised concerns within the Democratic Party. With the major Democratic Party PAC cutting funding, Ossoff's reelection bid appears more secure. Ossoff has raised $33 million in the third quarter of the year, while Collins confirmed he will attend Trump's rally in Georgia on Friday. After initially endorsing Trump's opponent in the Republican primary, Jackson has distanced himself from Trump, instead aligning himself with popular former Gov. Brian Kemp, who has maintained bipartisan support.