Searching for a New 'Obama': Will the Jewish Star Lead Democrats Out of the Wilderness?

Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, 39, is seen as the new Democratic hope. Trump attacks him, but he leads in polls ahead of the November 2026 midterms, with a 9%-13% advantage over Republican Mike Collins. Ossoff unites party factions through populist messaging and avoidance of extremism, and is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, 39, is emerging as the new hope of the Democratic Party. Trump, recognizing him as a threat, attacks him fiercely, but Ossoff leads in polls ahead of the November 2026 midterms with a 9%-13% advantage over Republican Mike Collins. Ossoff manages to unite Democratic factions: progressives love his populist economic messages, while moderates appreciate his avoidance of extreme statements. He is young, photogenic, and associated with support for Israel alongside criticism of Gaza policy. In an Emerson College poll, he receives 13% in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, placing third after Pete Buttigieg (19%) and Gavin Newsom (17%). Ossoff claims he has no interest in running for president, but the expected success in November may change that.