LISTEN: On Sunday, the two top of the ticket Democrats held a joint rally in Atlanta, while GOP challengers debated for a June runoff. GPB's Sarah Kallis reports.

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottom share the stage at a joint campaign rally in Atlanta on Sunday, May 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Bill Barrow)

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Georgia gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottom share the stage at a joint campaign rally in Atlanta on Sunday, May 30, 2026.

Credit: AP Photo/Bill Barrow

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Democratic candidate for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms held a campaign event in Atlanta on Sunday. 

Ossoff, who is seeking a second term, and Bottoms promoted their own policies and supported each other during their first joint rally.

Bottoms celebrated high primary participation from Democrats.

“People across Georgia have made it clear: We want to elect leaders that fight for us," she said to the crowd. 

Ossoff called out both of his potential opponents, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley for supporting what he calls a "corrupt administration."

“They’re both Trump puppets and we’ll beat either one of them in November," he said. 

The two Democrats will be on the top of the ballot in November. Their Republican opponents will be decided on June 16 after the primary election runoff.

Also on Sunday, those Republican Senate candidates faced off for their second round of debates hosted by the Atlanta Press Club. 

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and Derek Dooley debate

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins (left) and Derek Dooley face off at the Atlanta Press Club debates May 31, 2026, ahead of the June 16 Republican runoff for U.S. Senate.

Credit: GPB

Collins and Dooley got in a heated exchange about an ethics probe into a former Collins staffer.

Dooley questioned Collins about allegations that a former staffer put his girlfriend on the payroll for work she didn’t do.

“How can hardworking Georgians trust you going forward?” Dooley said.

Collins dismissed the concerns. 

“It’s a nothing burger: It was filed by an anonymous complaint," Collins said, adding that he would comply with the investigation. 

Collins also pressed Dooley about his immigration policy, which he said was too soft. Dooley pushed back on Collins' claims, saying he will be tough on immigration. 

Early voting the June 16 Senate runoff begins on June 9. The winner of the runoff will face incumbent Ossoff on the ballot in November.

Tags: Georgia Politics  Jon Ossoff  Keisha Lance Bottoms  Derek Dooley  runoff election  elections  Election 2026  GPB News  Georgia