ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff returned to his roots in Atlanta on Saturday, March 22, 2025, to rally a crowd of more than 2,000 concerned Democrats against President Donald Trump and his policies. With a powerful voice and firm resolve, Ossoff proclaimed, "Georgia will bow to no king!" as he delivered a 20-minute speech laden with strong criticisms of Trump, branding him as corrupt and accusing him of attempting to poison democracy with fear and intimidation.
This event came at a crucial moment for Ossoff, who is positioned as one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents heading into the 2026 Senate race. In a charged atmosphere, he echoed the frustrations felt by many in the audience, stating, "Atlanta, this is not a drill. Atlanta, this is not a bad dream. As citizens, this is the test of our lifetime. So tell me, Atlanta, are you ready to fight?" Ossoff’s remarks clearly signaled his intention to galvanize Democratic support against Trump's powerful hold on the political landscape.
While Ossoff’s campaign downplayed the notion that this event signified the start of his re-election effort, others, including fellow Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, were more forthcoming in their support. The campaign even distributed yard signs to attendees as they exited, indicating a clear push towards future elections, despite the early stage of the race.
The 2026 election could be highly contested, particularly if Georgia Governor Brian Kemp decides to run. Many Republicans are watching the situation closely, as Kemp remains a leading figure for the GOP in the state. If he opts not to pursue the Senate seat, others such as U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, and Mike Collins, along with state Insurance Commissioner John King, could enter the fray. Even controversial figure U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has hinted at a potential bid for governor or senator.
Historically, races in Georgia are not only closely fought but also significantly funded. The dual Senate campaigns of 2020 saw costs exceeding $900 million combined, while Warnock’s 2022 re-election against Republican Herschel Walker incurred over $470 million, as reported by OpenSecrets, which tracks political spending. Given this backdrop, any campaign will be predicated on substantial financial backing.
As Ossoff sought to rally his base, he acknowledged the pervasive feelings of trepidation among Democratic voters. "Maybe right now you feel surrounded by darkness. You might be a little numb. You might be wondering if there’s a way out," he said, addressing the anxious crowd. "But Atlanta, we don’t have the luxury of despair." This statement resonated with many who have expressed concerns over the efficacy of current Democratic strategies.
Among the audience was Bev Roberts, who labeled herself a "Trump refugee" after losing her job with the U.S. Agency for International Development and returning to Atlanta from Cairo. She voiced her discontent not just with Trump but with the perceived ineffectiveness of the Democratic party’s current opposition. "I want to hear practical solutions, I don’t want to hear rhetoric," Roberts commented, adding a note of urgency for change.
Some attendees, like Thomas McCormick who traveled over 140 miles from Dublin, were less enthused about the rally. He voiced a sentiment shared by others that the Democrats cannot afford to wait until 2026 to take action against Trump's policies. "That's two years, that’s two years of damage," he warned, likening the effects of Trump’s administration to the Hindenburg disaster.
Ossoff's speech took a notably combative turn aimed at energizing the Democratic base, a strategy that could enhance his appeal to both moderates and traditional liberals. However, the challenge remains in convincing swing voters who may be swayed by Kemp’s well-established rapport with Republican constituents. As Trump secured Georgia in 2024 by more than 110,000 votes, Ossoff's path to re-election will necessitate significant outreach to less predictable voting blocs.
Ossoff’s rhetoric echoed themes consistent throughout his first term. He emphasized the corruption inherent in politics that adversely affects ordinary citizens, arguing that it is not the policies on social issues but the influence of money in politics that drives disenchantment with the system. "This is why things don’t work for ordinary people," he asserted, linking high prescription costs and insurance claim denials directly to the corrosive impact of corruption.
At the rally, three speakers shared their stories of struggling under Trump’s policies, one being Kathleen Ethier, a former employee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who retired just before Trump's inauguration. She illustrated the human cost of policy decisions while emphasizing the broader implications for public health and safety.
In closing his impassioned speech, Ossoff invoked the legacy of his mentor, the late civil rights icon John Lewis. He called upon the gathered crowd to remain vigilant and engaged, reminding them that proactivity is essential in this political climate. "Atlanta, are you ready to get in good trouble?" Ossoff concluded, solidifying his appeal to those who feel a calling to drive change in the upcoming election cycle.
As Ossoff prepares for a challenging landscape ahead, it is clear that core Democratic supporters are eager for a robust opposition to Trump’s continued influence, while also demanding effective leadership that resonates with their immediate concerns.
As this electoral narrative unfolds, it remains to be seen how Democrat figures balance energizing their base against the need to appeal to undecided voters in the complex landscape of Georgia politics.
