Jon Ossoff

American politician and U.S. Senator from Georgia

Thomas Jonathan Ossoff (born February 16, 1987) is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Georgia since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Ossoff was previously a documentary film producer and investigative journalist.

Early life and education

Ossoff was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in the suburb of Northlake. He attended the Paideia School, an independent school in Atlanta. During his high school years, Ossoff interned for civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis.

Ossoff graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics.

Career

Early career

After completing his education, Ossoff worked as a national security staffer for U.S. Representative Hank Johnson. He later became the managing director and CEO of Insight TWI, a London-based investigative television production company that produces documentaries on corruption in foreign countries.

2017 Congressional campaign

Results by county in the 2017 special election

In 2017, Ossoff ran in a special election for Georgia's 6th congressional district. The election was held to fill the seat vacated by Tom Price, who was appointed as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Ossoff's campaign gained national attention and significant fundraising, making it the most expensive House race in U.S. history at the time. Although he led in the initial round of voting, he ultimately lost the runoff to Republican Karen Handel.

2020 Senate campaign

Ossoff's Senate campaign logo

In 2020, Ossoff announced his candidacy for the United States Senate from Georgia, challenging incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue. The race was part of the highly contested 2020 election cycle, which included two Senate seats from Georgia. Ossoff's campaign focused on healthcare, economic recovery, and civil rights.

The election went to a runoff, held on January 5, 2021, as no candidate received a majority in the November general election. Ossoff won the runoff, becoming the first Jewish senator from Georgia and the youngest member of the Senate since Don Nickles in 1981.

U.S. Senate

Official Senate portrait of Jon Ossoff

Ossoff was sworn into the Senate on January 20, 2021. As a senator, he has focused on issues such as voting rights, healthcare, and infrastructure. He serves on several Senate committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Ossoff speaking at a public event in 2021

Ossoff has been an advocate for expanding access to healthcare and has supported legislation aimed at reducing prescription drug prices. He has also been involved in efforts to address climate change and promote clean energy initiatives.

Personal life

Ossoff is married to Alisha Kramer, an obstetrician and gynecologist. The couple resides in Atlanta. Ossoff is known for his interest in film and media, stemming from his work in documentary production.

Related pages

• United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020–21
• Democratic Party (United States)
• Georgia (U.S. state)