When Georgia’s high-stakes U.S. Senate candidates take the debate stage, they will face questions from a panel of seasoned journalists representing communities from across the entire state.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection in what is widely viewed as a must-hold seat for Democrats. U.S. Rep. Mike Collins is challenging Ossoff in his first reelection bid. Georgia’s Senate race is the only contest on the ballot in the nation in which a Democratic senator is running for reelection in a state won by Donald Trump in 2024.

The Oct. 8, 2026, debate will be moderated by Atlanta News First anchor Rick Folbaum and political reporter Doug Reardon. Both Folbaum and Reardon host On the Record With Atlanta News First, the Emmy award-winning political and public affairs program airing every Sunday on Atlanta News First at 11 a.m.

Here are the journalists who will be questioning Ossoff and Collins during the live broadcast:

• Abby Kousouris – WANF/Gray Georgia statewide reporter
• Roslyn Giles – WTVM evening anchor, Columbus
• Will Rioux – WRDW evening anchor & investigative reporter, Augusta
• Mike Cihla – WTOC evening anchor, Savannah
• Moriah Norman – WALB evening anchor & reporter, Albany
• Adhemar Montagne – Telemundo Atlanta evening anchor

In this podcast, they share their regional perspectives on the economy, agriculture, military communities, and rural turnout ahead of the debate.