U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter on Thursday became the first Republican to jump into the race to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026, as other hopefuls maneuver following Gov. Brian Kemp's announcement that he won't seek the seat.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) launched his campaign to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026, making him the first Republican to jump in the battleground race. Carter billed himself as a “MAGA warrior” in his campaign announcement video released on Thursday.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) launched his candidacy for Senate in Georgia, the first of possibly several Republicans officially seeking to oust Sen. Jon Ossoff (D).  “Georgians will have a very