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Everyone is watching Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff today.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Everyone is watching Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff today.
2017-06-20
The 30-year-old is challenging political veteran Karen Handel, who used to be Georgia's secretary of state, in a special election for the state's 6th Congressional district.
The election is seen as the first major referendum on Donald Trump's presidency because the district typically leans Republican. If Ossoff wins, the 2018 midterm elections could look ominous for Republicans.
See how a neophyte who's never held office became one of the most talked-about politicians of 2017.
Thomas Jonathan Ossoff was born on February 16, 1987, at the Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.
As a student at Atlanta's private Paideia School, Ossoff interned for Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) (R) is presented with the 2010 Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama during an East Room event at the White House February 15, 2011 in Washington, DC.Alex Wong/Getty Images
In 2013, he became managing partner and CEO of Insight TWI, an investigative film company which has produced investigations on corruption overseas. One recent documentary was called "Girls, Guns, and ISIS" and followed ex-ISIS sex slaves who were training for battle.
Ossoff announced his candidacy in January after learning that Tom Price was vacating his seat in the House of Representatives after being appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff speaks to volunteers and supporters at a campaign office as he runs for Georgia's 6th Congressional District in a special election.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
He faces former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, who has significantly more political experience.
Republican candidate Karen Handel and Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff exchange words moments before Georgia's 6th Congressional District special election debate at WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. June 6, 2017.Thomson Reuters
The New Yorker writes he is known for "progressive positions on women's issues and health care" and "moderate stances on jobs and security."
Ashley Lutz was Business Insider's creative director. Ashley joined BI as a retail reporter in 2012. Her work led to Abercrombie adding plus sizes and Lululemon changing its policy of banning customers who tried to resell clothing online. She was previously a retail reporter at Bloomberg News. Ashley has a Bachelor's of Science degree from Ohio University. Follow her on Twitter @AshleyLutz.
