GEORGIA (WALB) —WALB News 10 will have a seat in front of the podium Thursday, Oct. 7, as Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger Mike Collins face off in their first debate of Georgia’s U.S. Senate race.

WALB News 10 reporter Moriah Norman will serve as a panelist during the debate, asking questions focused on issues affecting South Georgia voters.

Those issues include rising energy costs as Georgia sees continued data center development, challenges facing farmers, rural health care, and infrastructure.

The debate comes with just weeks remaining before Election Day and gives both candidates an opportunity to make their case directly to Georgia voters, including those who remain undecided.

Recent polling shows Ossoff entering the debate with an advantage. The latest Wedgewood poll shows Ossoff with about 55% support compared with just over 45% for Collins, a roughly 10-point difference.

Beyond policy differences, the race has also become increasingly personal as Ossoff and Collins criticize each other’s character, political ambitions and records.

Ossoff has criticized Collins over what he describes as ties to white nationalists. Collins, meanwhile, has accused Ossoff of using his Senate seat as a platform for a future presidential campaign. Both candidates are expected to have an opportunity to respond to questions about their records and priorities during Thursday’s debate.

For South Georgia voters, the debate will put regional concerns directly in front of the candidates seeking to represent the entire state in Washington.

WALB News 10 will have coverage from Atlanta before, during and after the debate.

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