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Why 2 GOP mayors are crossing party lines for Jon Ossoff
AJC.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Two Republican mayors from conservative South Georgia, Valdosta's Scott James Matheson and Tifton's Julie Smith, have endorsed Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff for reelection, citing his effective constituent service and support for their communities.
- Both mayors emphasized Ossoff's tangible results, such as securing federal funding for local transit, education, and healthcare projects, and praised his proactive engagement, including visits after natural disasters.
- Their endorsements signal challenges for Republican nominee Mike Collins, who is struggling to unify his party and expand his appeal amid controversies and a strong polling deficit against Ossoff.
- Despite their support for Ossoff, both mayors continue to back Republican Rick Jackson for governor, illustrating a pattern of split-ticket voting in the region.
- The bipartisan backing from these local leaders in a deeply conservative area underscores Ossoff's argument that his record transcends party lines and appeals to a broader electorate.
