Republican mayors from Georgia’s deep-red southern region are breaking with their party to support Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) over GOP nominee Rep. Mike Collins in the race for the Peach State’s Senate seat. Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson and Tifton Mayor Julie Smith lead municipalities in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA). Both mayors consider themselves Republicans, but told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Ossoff’s willingness to help their towns thrive is too big to ignore. “I look at the record, and his record to improve the businesses and communities in my region speaks to me louder than whether I’m a Republican or a Democrat,” Smith said. “The proof is in the pudding.”