Five Theories of the Jon Ossoff Moment
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is facing reelection in 2026, but political analysts are already speculating about his potential as a 2028 presidential candidate. The buzz follows a failed attempt by Donald Trump to criticize him during a recent rally.
Why it matters
Ossoff's rising profile within the Democratic party suggests a potential shift in national leadership dynamics as the 2028 election cycle begins to take shape.
The Georgia Democrat is running for reelection to the Senate. Why are so many people buzzing about him as a 2028 presidential candidate?
Dustin Chambers / Bloomberg / Getty July 24, 2026, 4:52 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
Everyone should be as lucky in their adversaries as Jon Ossoff. On Wednesday, President Trump held a rally in Marietta, Georgia, where he attacked the Democratic senator—or rather, he tried.
“Jon Ossoff, he’s terrible,” Trump said . “He reminds me of Pinky Herman. Do you ever see Pinky Herman?” The line might have landed better if he had gotten Pee-wee Herman’s name right. You’d expect Trump of all people to remember weird ’80s kitsch.
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