Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat facing re-election next year, is taking a high-risk approach to the government shutdown. He’s refusing to vote for an immediate reopening of the government unless President Trump and congressional Republicans agree to negotiate an extension of Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year. While this stance could rally core Democratic supporters, it also risks alienating some voters who support Trump.
Over 1.5 million people in Georgia rely on Obamacare plans, which could face significant cost increases if the subsidies lapse. Meanwhile, many federal workers in Georgia are facing furloughs or delayed paychecks due to the shutdown. Ossoff is under pressure from his party to take a strong stance, but doing so might lead to backlash from Trump supporters.
The Democratic senator’s decision has sparked debate within his own party. While some see it as a bold move, others worry that it could be seen as caving to the president’s demands. As the shutdown enters its third week, Ossoff must navigate this delicate balance between pleasing his base and appeasing undecided voters.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/us/politics/jon-ossoff-shutdown.html