Gubernatorial, Senate debates set in Georgia’s high-stakes midterms | On the Record
Keisha Lance Bottoms, Rick Jackson agree to modified town hall | Sen. Jon Ossoff, US Rep. Mike Collins prepare for traditional broadcast debate.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The stage is set for Georgia’s highly anticipated, nationally watched midterm elections as candidates in the state’s top two races have agreed to televised debates this October.
Gray Media and Atlanta News First announced the major contenders for governor and the U.S. Senate will participate in broadcasts originating from Assembly Studios in Doraville.
The debates will air live on Gray Media stations across every media market in Georgia, providing statewide access ahead of the November election.
Bottoms, Jackson to face off in modified town hall format
In Georgia’s gubernatorial race, Democratic nominee and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican challenger Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, have agreed to debate on Oct. 6, 2026.
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The debate will utilize a modified town hall format designed to prioritize voter interaction. Undecided and persuadable likely voters selected from across the state will ask questions directly to the candidates. To ensure broad regional representation, some participants will ask their questions live in the studio, while others from various corners of Georgia will submit pre-recorded video questions.
The campaigns will not receive the questions in advance. The topics will focus on key statewide issues identified by public opinion polls, such as the economy, household cost of living, and data center developments.
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Recent polling show Bottoms and Jackson locked in a statistical tie, raising the stakes for the upcoming broadcast. The candidates have already begun sharpening their messaging; Bottoms recently focused on household grocery prices at an event in Lawrenceville, while Jackson addressed human trafficking at the state capitol.
Ossoff, Collins set for traditional journalist debate
Two days after the gubernatorial town hall, incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger Congressman Mike Collins will participate in a more traditional debate format.
Scheduled for Oct. 8, 2026, the Senate debate will feature the candidates standing at podiums answering questions from a panel of political reporters representing Gray Media stations across Georgia. Rick Folbaum, co-host of On The Record With Atlanta News First, will moderate the event, which includes strict time limits for responses and designated rebuttal periods.
The Senate race remains competitive, though polling has consistently shown Ossoff maintaining a slight lead over Collins. Both candidates face scheduling adjustments as the legislative session wraps up in Washington.
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Ossoff’s campaign indicated his public appearances would slow down to accommodate Senate votes, while Collins is expected to return to the trail full-time following an early conclusion to House business.
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