As Georgians head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, one of the state’s most closely watched races is the contest for the U.S. Senate between incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger Mike Collins.
The race carries implications beyond Georgia, as Republicans seek to maintain their narrow majority in the Senate and Democrats look to gain seats. Both candidates have made the economy and affordability central issues in their campaigns, while also disagreeing on health care, immigration and the war in Iran.
For some Kennesaw State University students, those larger political debates connect to concerns about their own futures, including the cost of living, access to health care and the affordability of higher education.
Kennedy Foster said she voted for Ossoff because she believes his positions align with the kind of leadership she wants representing Georgia.
“I believe he represents the kind of leadership Georgia needs,” Foster said.
Foster pointed to individual rights, health care and opportunities for working families as factors that influenced her decision. She also wore an Ossoff campaign shirt to show her support, saying young people should recognize the influence their votes can have on their communities.
“I believe it’s important to use my voice and my vote to help shape the future of my community, especially as a young person,” Foster said.
Noah Sensing, who also voted for Ossoff, said his decision was influenced by his assessment of the candidates’ qualifications. Although he said he does not agree with everything Ossoff has done, he believes the incumbent has demonstrated experience in the role.
“Even though I don’t agree with everything he does or says or takes money from, he has proven that he knows what he’s doing,” Sensing said.
Sensing also questioned whether either candidate fully understands the financial pressures facing college students. He pointed to limited student housing and the cost of higher education as issues that deserve more attention.
“We need more housing. Our housing is very limited,” Sensing said.
He also criticized the cost of college, saying students should be able to focus more on courses that directly support their majors and future careers.
For Nico Beltran, concerns about the political climate and the cost of living were important factors in deciding to vote.
Beltran said frustration with the administration’s actions and concerns about government corruption influenced the decision. Beltran also emphasized the importance of younger generations participating in elections.
“It’s important for young people to go out and vote since we decide the future of our country because we are the future,” Beltran said.
The candidates have offered different explanations for rising costs. Ossoff has criticized tariffs implemented by the Trump administration, arguing they increase costs for consumers and businesses. Collins has blamed inflation on policies under the previous administration and has promoted tax cuts, deregulation and increased domestic energy production as ways to improve affordability.
The candidates have also taken different positions on health care and immigration, giving voters contrasting approaches to issues affecting communities across Georgia.
For the students interviewed by The Sentinel, the election is not only about the candidates’ political platforms, but also about how federal decisions may affect their everyday lives and opportunities after college.
Of the three students interviewed for this story, two said they voted for Ossoff. Beltran discussed the issues that influenced the vote but did not identify a candidate. None of the students interviewed expressed support for Collins.
