Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jon Ossoff
How Jon Ossoff built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jon Ossoff is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for Georgia since 2021. As a member of the Democratic Party, he holds the senior seat for his state. Prior to his political career, Ossoff worked as a documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist. His election to the Senate marked a significant shift in Georgia's political landscape, contributing to the Democratic Party gaining control of the Senate. He is known for his youth and focus on issues relevant to younger generations, such as climate change and economic opportunity.
2007: Worked for U.S. Representative Hank Johnson
From 2007 to 2012, Jon Ossoff worked as a national security staffer and legislative assistant for foreign affairs and defense policy for U.S. representative Hank Johnson.
2012: End of Hank Johnson staffer role
In 2012, Jon Ossoff ended his role as a national security staffer and legislative assistant for foreign affairs and defense policy for U.S. representative Hank Johnson.
2013: Managing Director and CEO of Insight: TWI
From 2013 to 2021, Jon Ossoff was the managing director and chief executive officer of Insight: The World Investigates (TWI).
January 5, 2017: Announced Candidacy for Special Election
On January 5, 2017, Jon Ossoff announced his candidacy for the special election after Tom Price was appointed secretary of health and human services.
March 2017: Opposition to American Health Care Act
In March 2017, Jon Ossoff opposed the American Health Care Act, the House Republican bill aimed at repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
April 18, 2017: Led in Blanket Primary
On April 18, 2017, Jon Ossoff led with approximately 48.1 percent of the vote in the blanket primary, but did not secure an absolute majority.
April 19, 2017: Response to Donald Trump's Criticism
On April 19, 2017, after Donald Trump criticized Jon Ossoff on Twitter the day before Ossoff's primary, calling him a "super Liberal Democrat", Ossoff dismissed Trump's claims as misinformed.
May 2017: Opposition to American Health Care Act
In May 2017, Jon Ossoff opposed the May 2017 version of the American Health Care Act, stating it was worse than the earlier version regarding protections for those with pre-existing conditions.
June 20, 2017: Competed in Runoff Election
On June 20, 2017, Jon Ossoff competed in a runoff election against Karen Handel after not securing an absolute majority in the blanket primary.
2017: Ran in Special Election
In 2017, Jon Ossoff ran in the special election for Georgia's 6th congressional district, ultimately losing. The seat had long been considered a Republican stronghold.
February 23, 2018: Announced Would Not Seek Seat
On February 23, 2018, Jon Ossoff announced he would not seek the seat in the regular election in 2018.
October 2020: Raised $100 Million
By October 2020, Jon Ossoff had raised over $100 million for his campaign, making him the best-funded Senate candidate in U.S. history.
2020: Won Senate Election
In 2020, Jon Ossoff won the U.S. Senate election in Georgia, defeating incumbent Republican senator David Perdue in a runoff election.
January 5, 2021: Runoff Election
On January 5, 2021, since no candidate received a majority of the vote in the November 3 general election, the top two finishers (Perdue and Ossoff) advanced to a runoff election.
January 6, 2021: Ossoff Declared Victory
On the morning of January 6, 2021, Jon Ossoff declared victory, and major news outlets called the race for him later that day.
January 20, 2021: Sworn into US Senate
On January 20, 2021, Jon Ossoff was sworn into the United States Senate in the 117th Congress by Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside newly-elected fellow Senator Raphael Warnock and former California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.
August 2021: Response to Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal
In August 2021, Jon Ossoff resisted criticizing President Joe Biden's withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, focusing on supporting the evacuation efforts. He later condemned the Kabul airport attack that killed American military personnel.
December 3, 2021: Petitioned for Morris Brown College Accreditation
On December 3, 2021, Jon Ossoff petitioned Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona requesting Morris Brown College regain their accreditation.
2021: Became US Senator
In 2021, Jon Ossoff became the senior United States Senator from Georgia.
2021: End of Insight: TWI CEO role
In 2021, Jon Ossoff ended his role as managing director and chief executive officer of Insight: The World Investigates (TWI).
2021: Call for Ceasefire in Israel-Palestine Crisis
In 2021, Jon Ossoff led 25 Democratic senators in calling for an immediate ceasefire during the Israel-Palestine crisis, emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself proportionately. Ossoff has stated his personal connection to Israel, expressing a desire for peace and equal rights in the region.
2021: Vote Against Amendment on Stimulus Payments
In 2021, Jon Ossoff voted against Amendment #54, introduced by Todd Young, to the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill (S. Con. Res. 5). This amendment aimed to block stimulus payments from going to illegal aliens.
2021: Vote to Convict Trump in Second Impeachment
In 2021, Jon Ossoff voted to convict Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial, charging him with incitement of insurrection following the 2021 United States Capitol attack.
2021: Response to Georgia's Election Integrity Act
In 2021, following the passage of Georgia's controversial Election Integrity Act, Jon Ossoff expressed displeasure with the bill but did not support corporate boycotts of the state, citing the importance of jobs and investment for Georgians.
January 2022: Introduced Legislation to Ban Stock Trading
In January 2022, Jon Ossoff introduced legislation that would ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks.
April 2022: Morris Brown College regained accreditation
Following Ossoff's petition, Morris Brown College regained accreditation in April 2022.
2022: Voting Rights Legislation Support
In 2022, Jon Ossoff voted to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. He also supports statehood for the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and opposes the Citizens United v. FEC decision.
2022: Blocked Proposed Titanium Mine
In 2022, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff blocked a proposed titanium mine in the Okefenokee Swamp after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service warned of severe potential damage to the wildlife refuge.
October 2023: Bipartisan Visit to China
In October 2023, Jon Ossoff participated in a bipartisan visit to China, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. During the visit, they met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials in Beijing.
November 20, 2024: Support for Resolutions on Military Aid to Israel
On November 20, 2024, Jon Ossoff joined 18 other senators in supporting Senator Bernie Sanders' resolutions to block U.S. military aid to Israel amid the Gaza and Lebanon invasions. While the resolutions failed, they highlighted growing opposition to U.S. support for Israel's approach in the Israel-Hamas war within the Democratic Party. Ossoff has consistently emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
2025: Vote for the Laken Riley Act
In 2025, Jon Ossoff joined 11 other Democrats and all Republicans to vote for the final passage of the Laken Riley Act in the Senate.
