Vance visits Georgia to promote tax law, challenge Ossoff

Vice President JD Vance brought the 2026 Senate race into sharper focus Thursday during a visit to Georgia as he rallied support for the Republican-backed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and attacked Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff’s opposition to it.

According to Washington Examiner, the trip served a dual purpose—advancing a new GOP tax policy under President Donald Trump while positioning Republicans for a chance to unseat Ossoff in a race that could tip the balance of the Senate.

Vance began his day in downtown Atlanta, where he addressed members of the Republican National Committee during a closed-door meeting. There, he outlined the economic message Republicans plan to carry into the 2026 cycle, including recent legislation passed under Trump’s second term.

Vance Appeals to Georgia Voters on Economy

Later in the day, Vance traveled to Peachtree City, where he toured an industrial refrigeration facility and met with local workers and business owners. Republicans have argued that the tax bill he was echoing will deliver substantial economic relief to blue-collar households.

The legislation, signed into law by Trump on July 4, is titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." It extends tax reductions first introduced in the 2017 tax package and adds new deductions focused on tip income and overtime wages.

The law also includes controversial spending cuts tied to the nation's entitlement programs. It imposes stricter work requirements for Medicaid recipients and trims funding for programs, including food stamps, with Republicans claiming it will reduce waste and increase labor force participation.

Ossoff’s Opposition Becomes GOP Target

Vance’s spokesperson, Will Martin, emphasized the GOP’s criticism of Ossoff during the visit. “President Trump’s working families tax cuts will result in bigger paychecks for Georgia families by as much as $10,000 per year," Martin said, referencing provisions touted by Trump allies.

Martin added that Ossoff's vote against the bill illustrates his disconnect from Georgia voters. “It’s an absolute disgrace," Martin said, claiming that working families "deserve better" and that Vance would stress this message throughout his Georgia appearance.

The White House and GOP leaders have tried to present the bill as a kitchen-table economic issue. However, national polling tells a more complicated story: A survey from Economist/YouGov conducted after the bill's signing found that only 35% of respondents supported the legislation, while 53% opposed it.

Democrats Call Law Harmful to Vulnerable Groups

Democrats have pushed back, painting the legislation as a giveaway to the richest Americans. In a statement issued during Vance’s tour, Ossoff accused the GOP of "defunding hospitals, nursing homes, and Medicaid" to favor the wealthy.

“Georgians know what this law is and have already rejected it,” Ossoff said. The senator has leaned heavily on healthcare messaging during his term and is expected to do so again in his reelection campaign.

Ossoff first won his seat in a 2021 runoff, becoming the youngest sitting U.S. senator at the time. His victory helped Democrats take control of the Senate for the first time in nearly a decade, though Republicans have since regained a 53-47 majority ahead of the 2026 contests.

Georgia Becomes Central Senate Battleground

As the 2026 midterms approach, Georgia is seen as one of the most competitive states. With Ossoff’s seat viewed as a top GOP pickup opportunity, Republican officials are working to craft an economic-focused argument against his reelection.

Still, the GOP faces internal challenges. After Gov. Brian Kemp declined to enter the race, he endorsed former football coach Derek Dooley, who will compete in a growing Republican primary field that also includes Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins.

Trump, for his part, has yet to endorse in the Georgia Senate primary. His past efforts to shape the state’s Republican Senate nominees have yielded mixed results, including Herschel Walker’s failed bid in 2022 and the contentious 2020-2021 runoff cycle.

Vance's Message Mirrors Strategy in Other States

Vance has previously taken similar tax-policy-focused trips to states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, aligning with Trump’s economic vision and encouraging Republicans to run on proposals that claim to benefit working families.

In these visits, Vance has aimed to draw contrasts with Democratic incumbents while emphasizing local economic impact. Republican strategists see this approach as a way to bridge rural and suburban voting blocs.

Although Vance holds no official role in Trump’s reelection campaign, his appearances reflect coordination between the administration and party officials as they map out the electoral terrain ahead of a high-stakes Senate battle.