Politically Georgia

The World Series is stage is so big, politics is also playing a role. In this week’s Politically Georgia Podcast, our AJC political insiders Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy discuss how Gov. Brian Kemp is using Atlanta’s World Series appearance to his advantage. Plus, why a major battle could be brewing for Gov. Kemp’s job next year and finally how Herschel Walker’s opponents are bringing up his past domestic abuse allegations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats fail to get a debate going on the voting rights bill in the Senate. Our political insiders Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell look at what that means going forward, how it will affect other legislature President Biden is trying to pass and will they remove the filibuster to do it. Plus, how Herschel Walker is going against Donald Trump for the first time and why it’s a risky move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a special edition of the Politically Georgia Podcast. AJC political insider Greg Bluestein is joined by city hall reporters Wilborn P. Nobles III and J.D. Capelouto to continue our in-depth coverage of the Race for City Hall. In this episode we look at what has really mattered from an onslaught of mayoral debates in the last week. Why Kasim Reed and Felicia Moore are starting to separate themselves and what to the other candidates need to do to pick off undecided voters. We also dig into what our journalists found asking residents of seven Atlanta neighborhoods what they want from the next mayor. Finally why this is considered silly season in the campaign.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AJC’s political insiders Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy have been around the state (and other states) this week to make sure you know what’s really going on. In this episode, we preview former President Donald Trump’s rally in Perry to support senate candidate Herschel Walker and others. Plus what Stacy Abrams is saying about her political future as she starts her nationwide tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Greg Bluestein and Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell break down Congress’ return to the Hill for a packed December, with only a handful of working days to address health care subsidies, shutdown pressures, and new scrutiny facing Congressman Mike Collins. Then, Greg talks with AJC reporter Zach Hansen about the fallout from the Hyundai immigration raid and why it’s straining relations between Georgia and South Korea. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy are joined by Tia Mitchell for a conversation with state Rep. Houston Gaines, the early Republican frontrunner for the open Northeast Georgia congressional seat. Gaines outlines why he’s running for Congress, his record on immigration, public safety, and parental leave, and why affordability is the issue he hears most from voters. Then Patricia shares her reporting from the campaign trail with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves. She follows him at his Flying Biscuit Café and then tours the city of Columbus with him as he talks about growing up in hardship, the cost-of-living pressures shaping his platform, and why he believes lived experience and economic opportunity are resonating with Democratic voters in 2026. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell break down the stunning decision that ended Fulton County’s election interference case against Donald Trump and his co-defendants. AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman explains how misconduct allegations, a failed search for a new prosecutor, and a blistering review of key charges led to the case’s collapse. She also details what it means for Georgia’s “fake electors,” the Ruby Freeman investigation, and why Fulton County taxpayers could now be on the hook for millions in legal fees. The hosts dig into the political consequences for Fani Willis as state lawmakers ramp up their probes and as questions loom over her future in public life. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein talks with Sam Foster, the 24-year-old IT specialist who came within 87 votes of unseating Marietta’s four-term mayor. Foster explains why he jumped into the race, how TikTok and grassroots organizing fueled his surge, and what his campaign says about Georgia’s push for generational change in local politics. Then Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell joins Greg for a segment of Monday Mailbag, where they answer questions about Georgia’s income-tax debate, how Hispanic voters could shape the 2026 races, and the uncertain future of the state’s stalled election-interference prosecution. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down how affordability has become the defining issue of the 2026 governor’s race. Hear gubernatorial hopefuls outline plans to ease the financial strain facing Georgians — from housing and child care to wages, utility bills and property taxes. The hosts explain why both parties see economic pressure as the top concern heading into 2026, how Georgia’s surplus has sparked new policy ideas, and what candidates are signaling about their priorities if elected. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy talk with two Democratic candidates for governor who are pitching sharply different visions for Georgia’s future. In Segment 1, Greg sits down with state Rep. Ruwa Romman, who argues her campaign sparked the election’s affordability debate. She outlines her plans for expanding Medicaid, raising the minimum wage, reforming tax credits, and pushing corporations to “pay their fair share” as Georgians struggle with rising costs. In Segment 2, Patricia is joined by state Rep. Derrick Jackson, who says his military and corporate background uniquely qualifies him to lead the state. Jackson discusses immigration fears he’s hearing on the trail, why he believes Georgia needs a “commander in chief” governor, and his proposals for tackling affordability through tax exemptions, minimum-wage increases, and statewide housing reforms. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AJC Washington bureau chief Tia Mitchell talks with Congressman Mike Collins about the shutdown, his criticism of Democrats, the future of health care subsidies, and his vote to release the Epstein files. Collins also weighs in on the Senate race and defends his campaign’s use of AI in political ads. Then Greg Bluestein joins Tia for a new Monday Mailbag, answering listener questions about ICE enforcement, Georgia’s gubernatorial policy rollout, and how election-year messaging is shifting as Thanksgiving approaches. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special edition of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell reports from Washington after Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she plans to resign from the House, citing frustration with a “corrupt” political system and a wave of threats following her break with President Trump. Then Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy join with analysis on Greene’s next political moves, what this means for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, and how her departure reshapes the 2026 governor’s race. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Patricia Murphy talks with Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe about the company’s long-awaited Georgia plant, the clean-manufacturing standards Rivian says will protect local communities, and why Scaringe believes the state is positioned to become a national leader in next-generation vehicle technology. He also discusses working with Governor Brian Kemp, the future of EV incentives, and Rivian’s long-term commitment to Georgia. Then Politically Georgia’s Candidate Forum series concludes with Attorney General Chris Carr, who makes his case for governor. Carr talks about Georgia’s economic momentum, his focus on affordability, public safety, and property taxes, and why he believes the next governor must be prepared to confront federal dysfunction while keeping the state competitive and safe. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AJC Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman for a wide-ranging conversation with Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina. They discuss the House vote to release the Epstein files and why Clyburn believes Republicans used the overwhelming support as a procedural tactic, his view of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s public break with President Trump, and why he still sees room for bipartisanship despite deep divisions in Washington. Clyburn also talks about the history behind his new book, The First Eight, and the Reconstruction-era Black lawmakers who paved the way for his own career in Congress. Then Politically Georgia’s Candidate Forum series continues with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who outlines his campaign for governor. Raffensperger talks about affordability, job creation, and property taxes, and addresses the enduring influence of Donald Trump on Georgia Republicans. He also explains why he believes his record on elections, public safety, and economic development makes him the Republican best positioned to lead the state forward. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell sort through the latest turmoil in Washington after President Trump withdrew his support from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, escalating their very public rift. They discuss Greene’s demand to release the Epstein files, how her break with Trump is reshaping GOP dynamics, and what the ongoing shutdown fight means for Georgia. Then the Politically Georgia Candidate Forum series continues with former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who lays out his campaign for governor and talks about affordability, Medicaid expansion, and the kind of leadership he believes Georgia needs in this polarized political moment. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell open the show with a new Monday Mailbag segment, answering listener questions on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s changing public image, Republican divisions over the shutdown, and how Georgia lawmakers may approach election rules heading into 2026. Then Politically Georgia’s Candidate Forum series continues as former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms makes her case for governor, outlining her plans on affordability, Medicaid expansion, public safety, and how she would navigate a second Trump administration while “fighting for Georgia.” Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy are joined by Georgia native and former congressional aide Brendan Buck to break down the politics of the ongoing government shutdown and why health care remains such a challenge for Republicans. Buck, who worked for former House Speakers Paul Ryan and John Boehner, explains the risks his party faces if it lets health insurance subsidies expire and why some conservatives now want to extend them. Then Politically Georgia’s Candidate Forum series continues with former state senator Jason Esteves, a Democratic candidate for governor, who talks about affordability, Medicaid expansion, and why he believes Georgia Democrats must offer voters something to vote for — not just against. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy are joined by AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman to unpack the fallout from President Trump’s sweeping pardons for his 18 federal co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case. They explain what the move means for the stalled Fulton County prosecution, how it could affect Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and why replacing District Attorney Fani Willis has proven so complicated. Then the show kicks off Politically Georgia’s Candidate Forum series with former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who talks about his decision to run for governor as a Democrat, his priorities on affordability and health care, and his message to voters who want to move past Trump-era politics. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell discuss the Senate’s procedural vote to advance a deal that could end the record-long government shutdown and what the proposal means for Georgia. They explain why Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock voted against the measure and how both parties are preparing for the political fallout. Then Greg and Tia sit down with Congressman Buddy Carter, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, to get his thoughts on the shutdown negotiations, health care subsidies, and his ongoing effort to win Donald Trump’s endorsement in Georgia’s GOP race. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell tackle listener questions in a new Mailbag Monday edition of Politically Georgia. They explain why members of Congress continue to receive pay during the federal shutdown and dig into Governor Brian Kemp’s decision not to use state funds to replace frozen SNAP benefits. The hosts also discuss the growing backlash over the shutdown’s impact on Georgia families, the latest twists in the First Liberty Ponzi scheme investigation, and why most of the state’s congressional delegation is staying unusually quiet during the standoff in Washington. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices