The runoff election for Georgia's 6th congressional district in 2017 became the most expensive House race in American history, with campaign spending exceeding $55 million. Jon Ossoff, the Democratic candidate in that contest, entered national politics through this high-profile defeat before securing a Senate seat in 2021 as the first millennial member of the body.
Background and Education
Born in Atlanta on February 16, 1987, Ossoff was raised in the Northlake community. His mother, Heather Fenton, is an Australian immigrant, and his father, Richard Ossoff, is an attorney of Russian and Lithuanian Jewish descent. He attended The Paideia School, where he interned for Representative John Lewis. He later graduated from Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service in 2009 and completed a master of science degree in international political economy at the London School of Economics in 2013.
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Between 2007 and 2012, Ossoff served as a national security staffer and legislative assistant for Representative Hank Johnson. He transitioned to the private sector in 2013, becoming the chief executive officer and managing director of Insight: The World Investigates. As a film producer and investigative journalist, he led a London-based production house that collaborated on documentaries regarding corruption, war crimes, and death squads in East Africa and Sierra Leone.
Legislative Ascent
Ossoff gained national attention during his 2017 special election campaign for the U.S. House. Despite losing the runoff to Karen Handel, his fundraising broke historical records. In 2021, he successfully ran for the United States Senate, defeating incumbent David Perdue. His victory, alongside Raphael Warnock, provided the Democratic Party with a 50-50 majority, facilitated by Vice President Kamala Harris. He holds the status of the youngest person elected to the Senate since 1980.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Atlanta
- Education: Walsh School of Foreign Service, London School of Economics
- Political Party: Democratic Party
- Senate Tenure: 2021-2023, 2023, 2025
- Previous Occupation: Investigative journalist, film producer, CEO
- Religion: Judaism
Questions readers ask
What record did Jon Ossoff set in the U.S. Senate?
He is the first millennial elected to the United States Senate and the youngest person elected to the chamber since 1980.
What was Ossoff's role in the documentary industry?
He served as the managing director and chief executive officer of Insight: The World Investigates, a firm that produced documentaries on international corruption.
Achievements
- Educated at London School of Economics and Political Science and Walsh School of Foreign Service
- Worked as politician, film producer and investigative journalist
