What Is It About Jon Ossoff?

When Jon Ossoff was first elected to the Senate in January 2021, he felt like an accidental senator. He was only 33 years old and won by a narrow margin, defeating the unpopular Republican incumbent, David Perdue, in a runoff election that was marred by President Trump's false claims of voter fraud. However, Ossoff does not feel like an accident anymore.

He won reelection tonight, and while the final margin of victory is yet to be determined, networks called the race early after the polls closed. His victory does not significantly alter the Senate's electoral landscape, as Democrats were expected to retain his seat. Nonetheless, the decisive win catapults Ossoff into the upper echelons of the party and discussions about the 2028 presidential contest.

Ossoff's success as a senator and candidate is a testament to his skills in constituent services and navigating Senate hearings with Republicans without appearing rattled. On the campaign trail, his team employed effective media strategies, including a distinctive visual angle that positioned him favorably in the media. He also developed a knack for memorable sound bites, such as his remark about Trump's desire to build a ballroom while traveling with his assistant Natalie Harp, which helped bring Harp into the national spotlight, albeit temporarily.

As the youngest senator, Ossoff has demonstrated proficiency in short-form video, a skill that many of his colleagues lack. His campaign benefited from the unpopularity of the president, the disastrous nature of his agenda, and the lack of political focus he exhibited. Running in a state that Trump had won by a narrow margin in 2024 further aided his chances.

Ossoff's luck also extended to his opponent. After failing to secure a stronger candidate, Republicans selected Mike Collins, whose associations with white nationalists, including his son-in-law, proved detrimental to his campaign. However, Ossoff capitalized on his own luck by causing better candidates to withdraw from the race. He also showcased a strong debate performance, attacking Collins over his ties to racists.

Despite his impressive campaign, Ossoff initially stated that he had no interest in running for president, expressing no inclination to do so. However, those who aspire to run for the highest office have found themselves drawn to Ossoff's name. He is often mentioned in discussions about potential presidential candidates, a phenomenon described by columnist Russell Baker as "The Great Mentioner," a term used to describe the list of possible presidential contenders that circulates within the political community.

While Ossoff identifies more with the moderate wing of the Democratic Party than with the left, he does not have a strong ideological profile and has avoided confrontations with more progressive Democrats. To gain a significant national presence, he will need to define his position more clearly. It is important to note that the 2028 presidential election is still a considerable distance away, and the skills required for that level of competition differ greatly from those needed for state-level offices.

Many senators and governors have discovered this through firsthand experience. Ossoff's talent for direct-to-social video messaging has not yet been fully tested on the national stage, and his charisma in one-on-one interactions remains to be seen. However, his re-election guarantees that he will be in high demand on television and at Democratic events across the country, providing him with opportunities to refine his skills and potentially become a major national figure in the years to come.