ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The race that could decide the balance of power in Washington moves front and center as Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins meet on the debate stage Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The debate, hosted by Atlanta News First and broadcast across all Gray Media television stations throughout Georgia, marks the first televised face-off between the two candidates in what has become one of the nation’s most-watched midterm battles.

Ossoff, elected in 2020 and running for his first reelection, represents the only Democratic Senate seat up for a vote in a state won by Donald Trump two years ago. Collins, who represents Georgia’s 10th congressional district and secured the GOP nomination following a June primary runoff, is aiming to flip the seat.

Key issues and what to watch for

Child welfare and foster care oversight: Ossoff has highlighted his bipartisan work on child sex trafficking legislation and his inquiries into Georgia’s Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) following reports of foster youth housed in offices. State DFCS leadership has pushed back on federal involvement in state operations.

Economy and cost of living: Inflation, housing costs and taxes remain top concerns in polling of Georgia voters. Expect discussion of federal spending, tax policy, tariffs and programs affecting manufacturing and energy jobs in Georgia.

Immigration and border security: The issue has been central to Republican campaigns nationally, including calls for stricter enforcement and deportations. Democrats have pointed to bipartisan efforts on border legislation and pathways to legal immigration.

Healthcare: Access, Medicaid funding, prescription drug costs and rural hospital closures in Georgia are likely topics. The candidates differ along party lines on the role of federal funding and regulation.

Abortion and reproductive rights: Georgia’s six-week abortion law remains in effect and continues to shape state and federal races. Expect contrasting positions on whether federal protections or restrictions should be pursued.

Crime and public safety: Federal funding for local law enforcement, gun policy and fentanyl trafficking have featured in both campaigns.

Voting and elections: Georgia remains central to national debates over election administration, voter access and confidence in the results following the 2020 election.

How to watch the debate

The Senate debate will air live on Atlanta News First and on Gray Media stations across Georgia. You can watch it on WANF (channel 46) in metro Atlanta and north Georgia; WTOC in Savannah; WPGA in Macon; WRDW in Augusta; WALB in Albany; and WTVM in Columbus. The debates will also be available to stream live and on demand. Simply download our station news app on your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV or your smart TV devices.

Atlanta News First and Atlanta News First+ provide you with the latest news, headlines and insights as Georgia continues its role at the forefront of the nation’s political scene. Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest political news and information.

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