Ossoff, Collins discuss tariffs, data centers in Georgia Senate debate

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia voters heard from Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins during their first debate Thursday night, with the candidates exchanging personal attacks while discussing issues important to voters ahead of Election Day.

The hourlong live debate covered a range of topics, including immigration, the economy, tariffs, energy and economic development.

Ossoff opened the debate by criticizing Collins over his alleged ties to white nationalist figures and content.

>>> Read the full transcript from the U.S. Senate debate between Jon Ossoff, Mike Collins

“Imagine running for U.S. Senate while neo-Nazi propaganda is disseminated to an audience of millions from your home, that’s Mike Collins,” Ossoff said.

Collins said he has condemned racism, antisemitism and hate. He countered by criticizing Ossoff’s support for individuals he said oppose Israel.

“Imagine being a U.S. senator and being out there recruiting, endorsing and supporting these people that want to see Israel wiped off the map, that’s who Jon Ossoff is supporting,” Collins said.

Watch the full debate below:

WTOC’s Mike Cihla served on the debate panel and questioned the candidates about the Port of Savannah and data centers, two key economic development issues for the Coastal Empire.

Collins said he would support communities seeking data center development while helping those opposed to such projects.

“If you want a data center in your area when I’m U.S. Senate, I hope you fight to get one, if you don’t I’ll help make sure that you don’t get that,” Collins said.

Ossoff emphasized the importance of the Port of Savannah while criticizing Collins’ support for President Donald Trump and his tariff policies.

“Georgians deserve to know why someone who wants to serve them in the Senate voted over and over for these tariffs,” Ossoff said.

Collins defended the tariffs, arguing they are working, and blamed inflation on policies supported by former President Joe Biden and Ossoff.

“That Biden-nomics, that Green New Deal my opponent voted for, that’s where inflation came from. We’ve got to continue to give back to energy independence,” Collins said.

With Election Day less than a month away, the debate gave both candidates an opportunity to make their cases to Georgia voters. Whether their exchanges will affect the campaigns remains to be seen.

Neither campaign attended the post-debate news conference, leaving the candidates’ remarks during the debate to stand on their own.