News Summary

John King, Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in a bid to challenge incumbent Jon Ossoff. King is the second prominent Republican in the race, following Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s decision not to run. With several other GOP officeholders also interested, the Republican primary is shaping up to be competitive. King aims to engage a diverse electorate and is building recognition as he faces significant fundraising challenges against Ossoff.

Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting his sights on challenging Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. King’s entry into the race positions him as a significant contender in a Republican primary that is already shaping up to be crowded.

King, who has been in office since his appointment by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022, is the second major Republican to enter the race following U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s decision not to seek the nomination. Prior to King, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter was the first Republican to announce his candidacy after Kemp opted out of the Senate race.

Five additional GOP officeholders are also expressing interest in the Senate race, including Congress members Mike Collins and Rich McCormick, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, state Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, and state Senator Greg Dolezal. This indicates a diverse and potentially competitive primary battle among Republicans aiming to secure a nomination to challenge Ossoff.

King, 61, was born in Mexico and made history as Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide elected official when he was appointed to the position of Insurance Commissioner. His background includes significant experience in law enforcement, where he reached the rank of major general in the Georgia National Guard and served as both an Atlanta police officer and the police chief in Doraville. His notable law enforcement career also includes being a member of the Atlanta Police Department’s Red Dog unit.

In his announcement, King expressed determination to prevent Ossoff from serving another term in the Senate. He faces a significant fundraising challenge, however, as he aims to gather the substantial financial resources needed for a competitive primary. Reports indicate that during his 2022 reelection campaign, King managed to raise $1 million, whereas Ossoff’s fundraising efforts have already exceeded $11 million in just the first quarter of 2025.

King has highlighted his commitment to engaging with the electorate, emphasizing the delivery of messages in both English and Spanish. During the pandemic, he aimed to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency. His political career began with the intention of restoring trust in the insurance office after the criminal convictions of his predecessors, a mission he has pursued actively since his appointment.

Despite his experience and political background, King remains relatively unknown to a broader electorate. As a newcomer to the Senate race, he will likely have to work strategically to build recognition and support among voters. His campaign has launched a new website, complemented by a bilingual announcement video, aiming to reach a wider audience from the outset.

As the 2026 Senate race progresses, the competition among Republican candidates is expected to intensify, especially in efforts to gain endorsements and support from influential figures within the party, including former President Donald Trump and Governor Kemp. With various candidates vying for the nomination, the Republican primary promises to be complex and engaging for both candidates and voters alike.

As the political landscape in Georgia evolves ahead of the 2026 election, the dynamics of the race will be closely watched, with King positioning himself as a key player in what is likely to be a highly contested battle against Jon Ossoff.