Jon Ossoff in State of Georgia Archives
On Abortion:
Will only vote to confirm judges who will uphold Roe v. Wade
I am pro-choice. I believe that women, not the government, should control the private, personal, and complex decision whether to terminate a pregnancy.
In the Senate, I will only vote to confirm federal judges who pledge to uphold Roe v. Wade.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Supports LGBTQ rights & Equality Act
Q: Support gay marriage and other LGBTQ rights issues?Ossoff: Yes. Supports LGBTQ Rights, and Equality Act against discrimination for gender or orientation.
Perdue: No. Sees marriage as "between one man and one woman." In legalizing same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court "overstepped" its role.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Abortion:
Defend a woman's right to choose and Planned Parenthood
Jon will defend women's access to contraception and a woman's right to choose and fight any legislation or executive action that would allow insurance companies to discriminate against women.
Planned Parenthood provides essential preventative and reproductive health care services like cancer screenings, STD testing and low-cost birth control to millions of American women. Jon will defend Planned Parenthood in Congress.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Abortion:
Will only confirm judges pledged to uphold Roe v. Wade
Q: Keep abortion legal or ban?Ossoff: Legal. "I will only vote to confirm federal judges who pledge to uphold Roe v. Wade." Will defend Planned Parenthood's "essential preventative and reproductive health care services."
Perdue: Ban. "Will continue fighting to protect the unborn." Backed ban on most abortions after six weeks that the courts overturned. Co-sponsored bill to end any federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Upgraded infrastructure foundation for decades of prosperity
To create millions of jobs, revitalize our economy, and alleviate poverty, I'll support the most ambitious infrastructure program in history.
Upgraded infrastructure will serve as the foundation for decades of prosperity, sustainability, and health.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Investment in infrastructure is overdue
I'll push for an unprecedented infrastructure program that includes big, overdue investments in transportation and transit, clean energy, energy efficiency, public health, communications, research and development, emergency response, and
environmental cleanup. Infrastructure includes energy production and the grid, transit, roads, bridges, tunnels, rail, aviation, ports and waterways, communications, cybersecurity, water treatment and distribution, housing, and public health.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
More regulation of banks, reinstate Glass-Steagall Act
Q: Tighten or loosen regulation of banks and credit card companies?Ossoff: Tighten. Seeks more regulation of the banking system, reinstating Glass-Steagall Act.
Perdue: Loosen. Supports "rollback of federal banking regulations."
Calls Consumer Financial Protection Bureau "rogue agency."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
COVID: we need more direct relief from federal government
Those who have [been] working have lost their jobs in so many cases. The health impacts have been most severe on America's seniors, and we need more direct relief from the federal government for ordinary people, including America's seniors.
This is a great example of why we need to strengthen and protect Social Security, so that during difficult times, America's seniors can rely upon those vital benefits, which they've paid into their entire lives.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 8, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
For stricter government oversight; cut duplicate programs
Ossoff was motivated to move into public office by excessive government spending. "Both parties in Washington waste too much of your money. When I worked there
I helped expose waste and abuse by government contractors. We need stricter oversight and tougher penalties. They need to be held accountable. And there's $16 billion in duplicate programs. That can be cut," he said.
Source: Fox News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 4, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Fund public media, guarantee editorial independence
Our new Zuckerberg-Murdoch era presents a genuine crisis for media and democracies. There is at least one solution: invest more public funds in independent, public-interest journalism. For democracies to function, citizens need ready access to superb
journalism produced for accuracy and relevance rather than sensation, partisanship and profit. As a matter of urgency, the US Congress should dramatically increase funding for public media and reinforce guarantees of their editorial independence.
Source: TBI Weekly on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jan 1, 2019
On Budget & Economy:
COVID: Put families & small business ahead on relief
We need leaders who empower public health and medical experts during a pandemic, instead of politicizing their response.
We need leaders who will level with us about threats to our health and our prosperity, and who will promote economic relief that puts working families and small businesses ahead of special interests and huge corporations.
Source: Atlanta magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Republican Senate will mean paralysis and gridlock
This is about the human stakes of this election. We all know what will happen if Mitch McConnell maintains control of the Senate, it will be paralysis and gridlock in Washington at a moment when thousands of Americans are dying
per day and millions of families and jobs and livelihoods are at risk. I think that Georgia voters recognize that the capacity of this incoming administration to govern and to enact legislation to lead us out of this crisis depends upon victory here.
Source: Senate Runoff: 2020 Georgia Senate race press conference
Nov 30, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
COVID: Another round of $1,200 stimulus checks
During a portion where candidates pose questions to each other, Ossoff said he would ask Perdue "why he continues to oppose $1,200 stimulus checks for the American people at this moment in crisis, why he fought against them in the first place and why
he isn't in Washington right now championing direct financial relief?""If I had the opportunity to ask the senator a question, if the senator were not too much of a coward to debate in public, then that's what I'd ask him," Ossoff added.
Source: The Hill blog on Senate Runoff: 2020 Georgia Senate debate
Dec 6, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Fight discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
As our representative in Congress, Jon will fight tirelessly against discrimination, hate speech, or violence against Americans on the basis of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or place of birth.
Jon will stand up for due process and equal treatment under law for all of us, regardless of race or income level. Jon will honor law enforcement and stand up for Georgians who are mistreated by the criminal justice system.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Civil Rights:
For Equality Act, opposes any military ban
I'll fight for equal rights and equal protection under the law for all Americans, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I will defend marriage equality and the right of gay couples to adopt children. I will support the Equality Act and vote to
expand Federal anti-discrimination statutes to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. I will oppose efforts to re-impose the ban on military service by openly gay Americans.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Can no longer go down a path of racism
On racism: "This is not a moment to let up--this is a moment to double down," Ossoff said. "The president of the United States and his allies in Congress are leading this country down a dark path and
we can go down this path no longer. We can no longer go down a path of authoritarianism, of racism, of corruption. We are better than this and Georgia is better than this."
Source: ABC News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jun 10, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Endorsed by Human Rights Campaign
[The HRC, a pro-GLBT organization, said]: "We need pro-equality champions like Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock to help usher in a pro-equality majority in the U.S. Senate," said
Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. "Both Ossoff and Warnock will prioritize the passage of the Equality Act if elected, and their historic races will be our highest priority in the coming weeks and months.
Source: HRC on 2020 Georgia Senate endorsements
Nov 5, 2020
On Civil Rights:
We need a new Civil Rights Act to deal with systemic bias
Race and class bias are systemically embedded in laws and institutions, and especially in our criminal justice system. Racial profiling, brutality, disparate and inequitable outcomes for people are daily occurrences in America. It's a systemic problem,
and we need a new Civil Rights Act that will empower the Department of Justice, civil rights division, to hold officers, departments, prosecutors, and judges accountable where there's profiling, brutality, or systemic race or class bias.
Source: Atlanta magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
On Corporations:
Reinstate Glass-Steagall; end speculative trading
The health of the banking system is vital, but public funds and loans shouldn't subsidize speculative short-term trading on Wall Street. That's why I'll vote to reinstate the Glass-Steagall Act, so Federal economic policy serves the
long-term prosperity, stability, and financial security of families and productive enterprises, not short-term gains for investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Crime:
Task forces to fight organized crime & political corruption
When it comes to crime in America, we need to rethink our priorities. Jon is an experienced investigator who has successfully targeted organized criminals and corrupt officials. Violent crime, murder, rape, human trafficking, and corruption are rampant,
while we spend billions locking up nonviolent drug offenders. It just doesn't make sense.Jon will introduce legislation to empower task forces at the Department of Justice dedicated to fighting organized crime and political corruption.
He will work to give law enforcement the tools and resources they need to take down organized criminals wherever they are. Jon will work to reduce mass incarceration of nonviolent offenders, which punishes taxpayers and wastes American lives.
When it comes to crime in America, we need to rethink our priorities. Jon is an experienced investigator who has successfully targeted organized criminals and corrupt officials.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Crime:
Reverse militarization of police; ban private prisons
Our approach to punishment must respect the human dignity of incarcerated people and recognize that except for the most dangerous violent criminals, successful re-entry to society after incarceration is crucial for both the convicted and the public.
I will champion and fight tirelessly to pass a New Civil Rights Act that strengthens civil rights laws and advances comprehensive criminal justice reform. Race and class disparities in policing, prosecution, and sentencing must be ended nationwide.
I will work to reverse the militarization of local police forces, enhance due process and human rights protections for all citizens, ban private prisons, end cash bail, reform prisons and raise conditions of
incarceration to humane standards, abolish the death penalty, legalize cannabis, and end incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Crime:
Don't defund the police; answer is to reform the police
No, the answer is not to defund police. The answer is to reform police. And the answer is to demilitarize police.
Far too many local police departments are heavily equipped with armored vehicles and military equipment, and when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jun 16, 2020
On Crime:
Establish national standards for use of force by police
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Ossoff: Yes. "We urgently need a New Civil Rights Act to establish national standards for use [of] force by American police!"
Perdue: Mixed. "Do we need police reform?
Absolutely. But the vast majority of police officers protect us honorably."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Crime:
Crimes under Trump: act prudently, but accountability
I think we have to be prudent and consider the long-term consequences and potential impact on desperately needed reconciliation if we're talking about going after a former president.
But executive branch officials cannot plead that they were just following orders. There has to be accountability.
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 26, 2020
On Crime:
Demilitarize the police; ban private prisons
We need to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement with a demilitarization of policing. We need national standards for the use of force. We need to reform America's drug laws so that we understand addiction and drug abuse as public
health problems, not criminal justice issues. We need to ban private prisons. I think it is shameful to profit from incarceration, and we need to raise the standards within American prisons to humane standards with prison reform.
Source: Atlanta magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
On Drugs:
Locking up nonviolent drug offenders doesn't make sense
Violent crime, murder, rape, human trafficking, and corruption are rampant, while we spend billions locking up nonviolent drug offenders.
It just doesn't make sense. Jon will work to reduce mass incarceration of nonviolent offenders, which punishes taxpayers and wastes American lives.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Drugs:
Past time to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis
Q: Marijuana--Decriminalize or legalize?Ossoff: Yes. "It's past time to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis."
Perdue: Medical yes. Supports access to medical marijuana. As of 2014, opposed recreational.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Supports Israel, continuing U.S. military aid
He's a supporter of J Street, the liberal pro-Israel group. They supported him too: During his 2017 campaign for House of Representatives, J-Street's political action committee donated tens of thousands of dollars into his campaign.
Foreign policy hasn't been a major issue in his races, but he's spoken to J Street's Atlanta chapter. Ossoff has stated that he's a supporter of Israel and continued U.S. military aid to the Jewish state.
Source: The Jewish Forward on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 6, 2020
On Education:
Hire great teachers, and reduce class sizes
All Georgians--all Americans--should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We should ensure our children and young people get the best education in the world.Jon will work in Congress to ensure our local schools get the resources they
need to hire and keep great teachers, to invest in technology to keep students learning at the cutting edge, and to reduce class sizes.
Teachers should be honored, given the support and tools they need to do their best work, and paid better.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Education:
Work to make college more affordable
Jon will work to make college more affordable. Student debt shouldn't prevent young Americans from saving, investing in their careers, and reaching their potential. Jon will work to reduce the burden of student debt on young Americans.
Jon will promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education for Georgia's students and professional education to qualify young Georgians for the workforce after high school.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Education:
Make trade school, vocational training, public colleges free
We need greater emphasis on vocational training. I'll work to make trade school and vocational training free for every American. I'll work to make four-year degrees at our public colleges 100% debt-free. I support a generous forgiveness program for
those struggling to pay off their student loans, caps on interest rates to relieve financial stress for all borrowers, and a program that links Federal student loan payments to income so paying off student loans is never a financial hardship.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Education:
Supports debt forgiveness; tuition free state schools
Q: Support free or subsidized tuition for lower-income individuals?Ossoff: Yes. Supports debt forgiveness and making public college, state school, or trade school education "debt-free."
Perdue: No. Promises of free tuition are what "the Soviets did in Russia, the Germans did in '33," and what the Cubans and Venezuelans did.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Human-driven climate change threatens global prosperity
There is a clear scientific consensus that climate change is driven by human activity and that it threatens global prosperity, health, and security. This is not just the opinion of activists; it is the studied conclusion of our country's distinguished
scientists. Our military and intelligence agencies agree. Jon will oppose efforts to undo the climate change agreement reached last year in Paris and will work to make the United States a global leader against climate change.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Climate change is a major threat, invest in clean energy
Q: Your opinion on climate change?Ossoff: "Climate change is a major threat to our prosperity and our security," part of "a broader environmental and ecological crisis." Will "deliver massive federal investment in clean energy, grid infrastructure,
R&D."
Perdue: "The scientific community is not in total agreement" about human cause. Supports Trump withdrawal from Paris Agreement. Opposed Obama's Clean Power Plan and limits on offshore drilling. Supports biomass investment.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Environment:
Investigate failures to enforce environmental laws
Jon will be informed by scientists, not lobbyists, when it comes to environmental policy, and he will work to make Georgia a clean energy economic powerhouse.Clean air and clean water are not controversial. They are essential to our health, our
prosperity, and our quality of life. Jon will oppose and investigate failures to enforce environmental laws. He will support our national parks and work to conserve America's treasured wildlife and natural beauty.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Environment:
Aggressive protection of endangered species and habitats
I'll push for America to immediately re-enter the Paris Climate Accords. I'll work to reverse the Trump Administration's rollbacks of clean air, clean water, and fuel economy standards. I'll push for fast advances in sustainability--including
a rapidly phased-in ban on single-use plastics, strongly enforced treaties to protect oceans and fisheries, aggressive protection of endangered species and habitats, increased fines for spills and contamination, and stricter controls on toxic chemicals.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Environment:
Reverse Trump rollbacks of environmental standards
Q: Tighten or loosen environmental regulations?Ossoff: Tighten. Will work to reverse Trump "rollbacks of clean air, clean water, and fuel economy standards."
Perdue: Mostly loosen. Roll back "stifling
Obama-era regulations." Against reducing waste and emissions. Reduce plastic waste in oceans.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Defend the NATO alliance & multinational military exercises
While on Capitol Hill, Jon worked on classified naval, cyber, air, and counterrorism programs. He embarked with the US Navy during multinational military exercises, worked closely with senior officers to improve readiness and capabilities, and helped
draft annual defense legislation.Jon will investigate Russian interference in American politics and defend the NATO alliance, which remains essential to our national security. He will stand with our allies and oppose Russian meddling in Europe.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Foreign Policy:
US should play active role in Israel/Palestine diplomacy
On Mideast: "[Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu and [Palestinian Authority President] Abbas are total failures," Ossoff added. He emphasized that he was "strongly committed to Israel's security as a homeland for the Jewish people.""The U.S. should
play an active and constructive role in setting the table for and leading the parties toward constructive diplomacy to put land disputes behind them," he told JI, "so that all people who inhabit this region can live in peace and prosperity and security."
Source: The Jewish Insider on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jun 5, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Supports blocking arm sales to Saudi Arabia
Q: Support blocking arms sales to Saudi Arabia?Ossoff: Yes. Reject "regime that executes political dissidents, executes people for their sexuality" and brutally murders journalists.
Perdue: No. Voted in U.S. Senate against resolution blocking Saudi arms sales.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Health Care:
Supports public option over Medicare-for-All
During a sit-down with the New York Times in 2019, Ossoff said he supported the
Affordable Care Act with a public option over Medicare-for-All to save the private insurance market.
Source: Fox News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 4, 2020
On Free Trade:
Empower our community's businesses to compete globally
Jon has a Master's degree from the London School of Economics, where he specialized in trade relations between the US and China. Jon's training in economics and his international business experience will help him craft smart,
effective economic policy that empowers our community's businesses to compete globally, create good-paying jobs with benefits, and build Georgia into an economic powerhouse.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Free Trade:
Attack unfair practices by overseas competitors
I'll expose and attack unfair and unethical trade, labor, and environmental practices by overseas competitors that disadvantage American workers and businesses. I'll work to reduce our dependence on Chinese supply chains and strengthen domestic
producers. I'll support strong antitrust enforcement and I'll attack anti-competitive special interest subsidies secured by dominant firms with lobbying power at the expense of smaller competitors and startups.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Government Reform:
Investigate corrupt politicians and organized crime
I lead a company that produces documentaries investigating corrupt politicians and organized crime. Our team has taken down human traffickers, exposed dozens of corrupt officials around the world, and uncovered atrocities committed by ISIS in Iraq.
Previously, I was a senior national security staffer in the U.S. Congress, working with our military and intelligence community to keep Georgians safe while investigating wrongdoing by government contractors.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Government Reform:
End Citizens United; get dark money out of politics
Q: Your opinion on campaign finance?
Ossoff: Yes. "We must end Citizens United and get secret, dark money out of politics."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Government Reform:
We need a new Voting Rights Act
Q: Strict ID and other rules to combat possible fraud, even if limiting access?Ossoff: No. Criticizes "major purges" of voter rolls and "mass disenfranchisement." Need a new Voting Rights Act.
Perdue:
No position found. On chaotic GA primary, "more than 150 counties didn't have any problem. In a few we did. This idea of voter suppression is a lie right out of the pit of hell."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Government Reform:
Trying to take away sacred right to vote is disgraceful
I'm inspired and moved by the way Georgia voters overcome obstacles put in their way, but at the same time deeply disgusted by the way Georgia forces its voters to wait 10 hours in line to vote. We recognize now that when people are made aware
that someone's trying to take away their hard-won sacred rights, they're galvanized in their determination to exercise those rights. So the people are undeterred, but the state of Georgia continues to disenfranchise its citizens. And it's a disgrace.
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 26, 2020
On Government Reform:
Open to discussing getting rid of filibuster
Q: Would you support getting rid of the filibuster?Ossoff: I'm open to discussing any proposed changes to Senate rules. But what are the implications when the shoe is on the other foot? It's not just a yes-or-no question.
But I rule nothing out and look forward to the debate. And just to be clear: I look forward to legislating on behalf of Georgia, not just getting mired in gridlock.
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 26, 2020
On Government Reform:
Open to term limits for federal judges
I am open to term limits for federal judges. Any judicial reforms should be contemplated only in order to ensure the federal judiciary is impartially upholding the rule of law and defending the public interest.
I'm interested in debate that will be healthy and open about the merits of term limits for federal judges.
Source: Atlanta magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
On Government Reform:
Perdue lying about stock trades is totally unacceptable
Perdue has been lying about his financial misconduct because [he] has repeatedly claimed that he doesn't control his day-to-day stock trades. But federal agents secured banking records, which revealed that Perdue did in fact personally instruct stock
trading. For a Georgia Senator to be profiting from a pandemic about which he is lying in public, downplaying the risks while he trades medical stocks, and then lying to the people about his own financial misconduct, is totally unacceptable.
Source: Senate Runoff: 2020 Georgia Senate race press conference
Nov 30, 2020
On Gun Control:
Background checks; red flag laws; assault weapon ban
I support the Second Amendment and I respect the overwhelming majority of gun owners who recognize that guns aren't toys; they are lethal and dangerous tools. I support universal criminal history checks for gun purchases, red flag laws to protect
family members and domestic partners concerned about the mental health of their loved ones, and closing the gun show loophole. I support a ban on the sale of semi-automatic rifles ("assault weapons") and high-capacity magazines to the general public.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Gun Control:
Supports background checks, assault weapon ban
Q: Your opinion on gun control?Ossoff: Supports universal background checks, red-flag laws, closing gun-show loophole, as well as a ban on assault weapons.
Perdue: "We have ample gun laws on the books;" should enforce them.
Supports some more stringent background checks.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Gun Control:
Endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety
Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots networks, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, announced their support for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in the run-off elections for the
Senate. "Everytown is proud to reaffirm our support for Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, who are running against two gun extremists," said the president of Everytown for Gun Safety.
Source: OCG News on 2020 Georgia Senate endorsements
Nov 8, 2020
On Health Care:
Defend Medicare and Medicaid and affordable health care
It is in our strong national interest that every American have quality, affordable health care. Whether it's a newborn just home from the hospital, a mother battling cancer, or a veteran returned from overseas, our health isn't negotiable.
Our quality of life, our strength, and our prosperity depend on it. It's time to move beyond the tired, partisan debate over health care policy, agree on some basic principles, and solve problems:- No American should suffer or die from
preventable or treatable illness.
- No American should be unable to make ends meet from out-of-control medical bills.
- No business should go under or lay off employees because it can't keep up with health insurance premiums.
Jon will work to
defend Medicare and Medicaid, ensure young people can stay on their family plan, prevent discrimination against Americans with pre-existing conditions, and ensure veterans swiftly get the care and benefits they've earned.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Health Care:
Maintain funding for CDC pandemic infrastructure
Congressional candidate Jon Ossoff called on the other 17 candidates in the Sixth District race to unify in opposition to a provision of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) that would gut the health security infrastructure necessary to detect and fight
infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola and Zika.The provision would slash funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), devastating efforts to protect Georgians and the nation from deadly pandemics.
The massive cuts would eliminate the Prevention and Public Health fund, which is critical to preventing outbreaks of dangerous diseases like Ebola and Zika.
"This is a national security issue," said
Ossoff. "No matter where candidates stand on the overall bill, we should unite to protect Georgia families from the deadly outbreak of diseases like Ebola and Zika," said Ossoff.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Mar 13, 2017
On Health Care:
Ensure all Americans have insurance, for public option
This pandemic should be a massive wake-up call for those who doubt the necessity of ensuring all Americans have health insurance. I'll vote to protect and strengthen Medicare, and I support offering all Americans a public health insurance option as
an affordable alternative to private insurance. Your insurance will be your choice. Americans will be free to maintain exclusively private health insurance or to purchase supplemental private insurance on top of the public plan if they so choose.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Health Care:
Improve ACA, not repeal it
Q: Support Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as ObamaCare?Ossoff: Yes. Will "work to improve [ACA], not repeal it, so we can make affordable insurance and quality care available to all Americans."
Perdue: No. Voted to repeal ACA. "The poorest among us will continue to be fined because they can't afford ObamaCare."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Health Care:
COVID: Trump's response "gross incompetence"
Q: Your opinion on COVID response?Ossoff: Calls the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic "gross incompetence." "Tens of millions are losing jobs, essential workers are underpaid, under-protected and underinsured [while] help for
ordinary people and smaller firms has been meager and slow."
Perdue: Trump "has taken unprecedented action to protect the American people; now we're working to safely reopen [and] help small businesses continue to weather this crisis."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Health Care:
Will oppose ongoing efforts to defund Medicare
Medicare is an absolutely vital program. It's a healthcare program that America's seniors rely upon, and I will vote to ensure they can continue to rely upon it. I will oppose efforts to weaken Medicare. I will oppose efforts to shift
the burden of health care costs further on to seniors. I'll work to empower Medicare to further lower health care costs--for example, by negotiating lower prescription drug costs. I will oppose ongoing efforts to defund Medicare.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 8, 2020
On Health Care:
Empower Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices
The cost of medicine in America is an absolute scandal. The drug companies lobbied Congress so that Medicare can't negotiate lower prescription drug prices. They've bought off politicians, who let the drug companies keep price-gouging the
American citizens. Lowering the cost of medicine in America will be among my top priorities in the U.S. Senate. I will stand up to those drug company lobbyists, crack down on price gouging to empower Medicare to negotiate lower prices.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 8, 2020
On Health Care:
More federal support for eldercare in America
I support expanding the Public Health Service, so that there are more doctors and nurses qualified in geriatrics and eldercare to help us staff elder care facilities. I support, as part of a significant health care reform package, more
federal support for eldercare in America so that America's seniors, regardless of wealth, can depend upon a dignified retirement where health is taken care of and where they have highly qualified professionals to attend to them as necessary.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 8, 2020
On Health Care:
COVID: out of control because government ignored science
On COVID: "We are in the middle of a grave public health crisis. It is spiraling out of control because Washington politicians downplayed the crisis, ignored the medical science, undermined the doctors and scientists who knew what they're doing,"
Ossoff said. "And senator David Perdue, in the middle of this health crisis, is still supporting efforts to repeal protections for Georgians with preexisting conditions."
Source: Associated Press on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 28, 2020
On Health Care:
Expand Medicaid, invest in new public health clinics
We must expand Medicaid to ensure that every Georgian gets health insurance and to sustain rural hospitals. We need to invest in new public health clinics to ensure underserved and rural communities have access to healthcare.
We need to end price-gouging by insurance and drug companies who have bought off Congress.
Source: Atlanta magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Don't undermine private communications & strong encryption
Jon is a former national security professional who understands the threats America faces and the complexity of international politics.When he was a national security staffer on Capitol Hill,
Jon held a top secret security clearance and worked with our military and intelligence community to keep Georgians safe.
Jon will oppose legislation or executive action that undermines Americans' access to private communications and strong encryption.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Immigration:
Unconstitutional to slander or ban entire religious groups
Jon's mother is an immigrant who became a small business owner, an American citizen, and a champion for women's rights. America should welcome those strivers who, like our own forebears, seek the opportunity to work hard, play by the rules, and build
better lives in America.Jon believes it is a violation of core American principles to slander entire religious groups and that it's unconstitutional to ban anyone from entering our country on religious grounds.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Immigration:
Strengthen borders, path for undocumented immigrants
Strong border security doesn't require us to sacrifice our moral principles, our commitment to human rights, or our American identity as a haven for people fleeing persecution and striving for opportunity. I'll support an immigration policy that
strengthens our borders, puts American workers first, respects human rights, and creates a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who are already here and otherwise follow the law, especially those brought here as children.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Immigration:
DREAMers are Americans and here to stay
Q: Your opinion on immigration?Ossoff: "DREAMers are Americans," "here to stay." Supports "path to legal status for undocumented immigrants." "Strong border security doesn't require" sacrificing "our moral principles."
Perdue: Supports Trump proposal for DACA path to citizenship tied to cutbacks in legal Immigration and funding for wall. DACA brings "chain migration." Supported limiting visas to "create a merit-based immigration system."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Jobs:
Minimum wage should be a living wage
- Jon will go to work to ensure that health insurance premiums don't cripple businesses or force them to lay off employees.
- Jon will defend equal pay for equal work and fight any effort to allow wage discrimination against women or minorities.
- Jon believes the minimum wage should be a living wage. He will support an increase in the federal minimum wage indexed to cost of living and implemented at a pace that allows employers to adapt their business plans.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Jobs:
Minimum wage should be livable wage
Q: Raise federal hourly minimum wage above current $7.25?Ossoff: Yes. "Fight to make sure the minimum wage is a livable wage."
Perdue: No recent position. In 2014 said if "increase the minimum wage, you will kill jobs."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Supported by national anti-Trump neophyte networks
Ossoff, one of 18 candidates on the special election ballot, was lifted from obscurity on a wave of local and national anti-Trump sentiment. He raised a jaw-dropping $8.3 million, more than quadruple the haul brought in by the next-best fund-raiser,
the Republican Dan Moody. Much of that money came from angry liberals outside Georgia hoping to send Trump a message at the ballot box.Locally, Ossoff was aided by formal and informal networks of progressives that sprouted and grew like mushrooms
after Trump's victory. Many participants were political neophytes and women who had taken part in the anti-Trump marches after the inauguration. Hundreds of highly motivated volunteers knocked on doors, wrote postcards to voters and drove them to the
polls.
Georgia's Sixth District, which encompasses a number of majority-white suburbs north of Atlanta, is home to a well-heeled professional class. Ossoff's r‚sum‚, if not necessarily his politics, is the type that would make any soccer mom proud.
Source: N.Y.Times on 2017 Georgia 6th House special election
Apr 19, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Campaign slogan: Make Trump Furious
Though his campaign used the slogan "Make Trump Furious," Ossoff, in person, takes the opposite of a sound-and-fury approach. As a candidate, he tends to run more cool than hot, with a deliberative, professorial style somewhat similar to Barack Obama's.
He is unabashed about his support for traditional liberal causes, including abortion rights, but in television ads, he often emphasizes more anodyne positions, like fighting wasteful spending in Washington and creating more tech jobs at home.
Source: N.Y.Times on 2017 Georgia 6th House special election
Apr 19, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Interned for Rep. John Lewis and Rep. Hank Johnson
Ossoff's interest in politics was first stirred as a 17-year-old student at the Paideia School when he read John Lewis' autobiography and was moved to ask the congressman for a job. That turned into an internship in the Atlanta Democrat's Washington
office. As a student at Georgetown University, Ossoff volunteered for Hank Johnson's 2006 campaign to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney. After Johnson's congressional victory, Ossoff worked as a legislative aide to the new congressman.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2017 Georgia 6th House race
Apr 18, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Promises to move to 6th district after girlfriend graduates
Ossoff, a north DeKalb County native, does not reside in the 6th Congressional District, living just south of it so his girlfriend of 12 years, an Emory University medical student, can walk to work.
Members of Congress don't have to live in their districts, but Ossoff has said he will move to the 6th after she graduates.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2017 Georgia 6th House race
Apr 18, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Early campaign pledge: "Make Trump Furious"
One topic Ossoff diligently avoided: Trump. Ossoff jumped into the 6th District contest earlier with a pledge to "Make Trump Furious," but the
30-year-old political newcomer has since largely distanced himself from that rhetoric in a bid to win over independents and wobbly Republicans.
Overall, Republican Karen Handel aligned herself with the president when asked about the biggest items on his agenda, but she also indicated she wasn't afraid of disagreeing with him.
She backed the Trump's proposal to temporarily block visitors from six primarily Muslim Middle East nations, but was also was critical of Trump's constant social media use.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2017 Georgia House debate
Jun 6, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Dedicated my career to fighting corruption
Lobbying and political contributions should not buy bailout money, unfair subsidies, or impunity for labor and environmental abuses. I've dedicated my career to fighting corruption. I run a business that investigates bribery and the
abuse of power worldwide. I'm not taking contributions from corporate PACs or Congressional lobbyists. As Georgia's Senator, I will be accountable exclusively to the people of our state.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Principles & Values:
His faith informs his approach to politics
Ossoff, who is Jewish, said that his faith informs his approach to politics. "The experience of persecution and flight and massacre of my ancestors," he said, "influences and strengthens my commitment to standing
up alongside marginalized, dispossessed and persecuted people in solidarity with them to defend the human rights of all."
Source: The Jewish Insider on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jun 5, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Criticizes "cultural elitism" of Hollywood
Despite his close ties to the entertainment industry, Ossoff decries the "cultural elitism" of Hollywood. "There is a sense in the rest of the country that some folks in Hollywood look down [on them] and that cultural elitism can be a distraction,
and corrosive to the effort to build a broad coalition focused on improving our quality of life, solving our healthcare crisis and delivering investment and infrastructure," he told Variety.
Source: Fox News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 4, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Multiracial coalition with shared values emerging
Republicans have tried to divide people along racial lines to prevent the emergence of a multiracial coalition that recognizes shared economic and health issues and shares a commitment to civil rights.
It's a multiracial, multigenerational coalition with a shared sense of values that will carry us to victory.
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 26, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Standard for Senators higher than not being prosecuted
The standard for conduct for a US Senator needs to be higher than that he wasn't criminally prosecuted. This conduct is obviously deeply unethical and his lies all year, that he doesn't personally direct his stock trades, have been exposed as lies.
We have to have a higher bar for those who represent us in office that they avoided indictment for conduct that is obviously unethical.
Source: Senate Runoff: 2020 Georgia Senate race press conference
Nov 30, 2020
On Principles & Values:
On Day One, I'll place my stock portfolio in a blind trust
On day one, I will place my stock portfolio in a blind trust. Senator Perdue still refuses to give up control of his stock portfolio and he's been lying about his personal day-to-day control of that portfolio, because we now know that he's been
personally directing stock trades. I'll introduce legislation to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks. This is unethical, it's a huge conflict of interest. It's part of this deeper corruption in Washington that we have to root out.
Source: Senate Runoff: 2020 Georgia Senate race press conference
Nov 30, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Refusal to debate shows arrogance & sense of entitlement
[Upon Sen. David Perdue not showing up for the runoff debate]: "I regret that someone who is supposed to be a public servant didn't join us. I truly regret that we haven't had the opportunity to debate the issues, because the people deserve it,"
Ossoff said in his closing remarks."It shows an astonishing arrogance and sense of entitlement for Georgia's senior US senator to believe he shouldn't have to debate at a moment like this in our history," Ossoff said.
Source: The Independent on Senate Runoff:2020 Georgia Senate debate
Dec 6, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Parents' success helped me, I want to help others
Both of my parents were the first in their families to graduate college. My mother immigrated to this country alone as a young woman when she was 23 years old. And I'm grateful that their success allowed me, for example, to graduate college without
debt, a privilege that so many Americans don't have, to pursue service in public service and as a journalist. And now I want to serve the state of Georgia in the U.S. Senate so that others can have the opportunities to pursue their dreams.
Source: CNN State of the Union on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jan 3, 2021
On Social Security:
A civilized nation cannot abandon its elders to destitution
Our country decided long ago that America's seniors will not be neglected or forgotten. A civilized, prosperous nation cannot abandon its elders to destitution or homelessness, or allow them to go without health care.Medicare and Social Security are
vital programs that reflect our values and our commitment to honor and support seniors. Seniors paid for these benefits throughout their lives. Many still count on these critical programs. We should honor all seniors as if they are our own family.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Social Security:
Strengthen and protect Social Security benefits
I will oppose any efforts to cut Social Security. I will oppose the efforts to attack the funding mechanism for Social Security. America decided almost a century ago that we would not allow our seniors to be destitute or homeless.
These are earned benefits that Americans have paid into over their entire lives, and I will oppose efforts to cut these vital Social Security benefits that so many of our seniors depend upon. I'll work to strengthen and protect those benefits.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 8, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Reduce tax burden on small businesses & simplify tax filing
Jon is a small business owner, executive, and entrepreneur. He knows what it means to grow a company, meet a payroll, and balance budgets. Jon will stand up in Congress for a dynamic, forward-looking, fiscally responsible economic policy that maximizes
opportunity for entrepreneurs, workers, and investors.Jon will work to level the playing field for small businesses so they can grow and create jobs that will empower Georgians to strive, save, send our kids to college affordably, and retire
comfortably.
Jon will work in Congress to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and simplify small business tax filing. He will work to repeal wasteful, anti-competitive special interest
subsidies that make it hard for entrepreneurs to raise capital, enter the market, create jobs, and compete with larger firms who have lobbyists in Washington.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Lower taxes for all but the wealthiest Americans
Rather than relying on subsidies for Wall Street as economic stimulus and hoping the benefits trickle down, I'll support policies that help Georgia's families make and save more money: fast and generous direct emergency relief during economic crises,
lower taxes for all but the wealthiest Americans, debt-free public college, free vocational training, and health care guaranteed at an affordable price.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
On Tax Reform:
We borrow trillions to cut taxes for the wealthy
Q: Support administration's $1.9 trillion (2017) tax cuts?Ossoff: No. "We borrow trillions to cut taxes for the wealthy & powerful."
Perdue: Yes. "The tax cuts passed by the U.S. Senate are already having a positive impact across the country."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Doesn't support increase in income tax rates
He said he would not support any tax increases,
even on the wealthy. "I don't support any increase in income tax rates," he said.
Source: Fox News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 4, 2020
On War & Peace:
Avoid reckless, destabilizing missteps like the Iraq War
In Congress, Jon will push for a tough, smart foreign policy that protects our national security while avoiding reckless, destabilizing missteps like the Iraq War.As an investigative film executive, Jon has managed high-risk operations in conflict
zones. Last year, one of his investigative teams documented evidence of war crimes on the front line in Iraq. His teams have also exposed the corrupt theft and black market sale of foreign aid funded by American taxpayers.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
On War & Peace:
Destroy ISIS without deploying regular US ground forces
Jon will oppose unnecessary military intervention overseas and will only support the use of force where US national security is at stake.Jon will back efforts to destroy ISIS without deploying regular US ground forces. He will work to ensure that law
enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the military have the resources and authorities necessary to prevent terrorism without sacrificing privacy and human rights. Jon will vigorously oppose the torture of detainees and prisoners of war in US custody.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023