Politically Georgia

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

Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell analyze Democrats’ historic victories in Georgia’s Public Service Commission races — the party’s first statewide wins outside of federal contests in nearly two decades. They explore what the results say about energy prices, Republican messaging, and the political mood heading into 2026. Then Tia shares part of her recorded interview with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who breaks from GOP leadership over the ongoing government shutdown and criticizes Speaker Mike Johnson’s approach. The hosts discuss Greene’s changing style, her national profile, and what her next political move might be. 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 break down new results from the AJC–University of Georgia poll that show former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the early frontrunner in the Democratic primary for governor, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones leads a crowded Republican field. They discuss what the numbers reveal about name recognition, fundraising power, and how undecided voters could still reshape both races. The hosts also look at the Senate race, where Congressman Mike Collins and Buddy Carter are competing for Trump-aligned voters, and explain why Jon Ossoff remains well positioned heading into 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. 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 talk with former Congressman Tom Graves about Georgia’s Public Service Commission races and how energy policy has become one of the most important issues on the ballot. Graves explains why nuclear power could be key to meeting the state’s growing energy demand and why he thinks innovation, not partisanship, should guide Georgia’s future. Then AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch joins the show to preview Atlanta’s mayoral and City Council races, including Mayor Andre Dickens’ reelection bid, the competitive City Council president contest, and the issues shaping voters’ decisions from public safety to housing affordability. 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 take listener questions in a new Mailbag Monday edition of Politically Georgia. They dig into the latest developments in the federal government shutdown, how health care subsidies became a flashpoint in Washington, and why some Georgia Republicans and Democrats are finding common ground. Hear producer Natalie Mendenhall’s new reporting on Sandy Springs’ four-way mayoral race, one of the most competitive local contests in the state. Then Greg and Tia discuss what the newest AJC poll reveals about Georgia’s independent voters — and why they could once again decide the state’s political future. 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 Greg Bluestein talks with Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell about the month-long federal government shutdown and its growing impact across Georgia. They discuss how unpaid federal workers, food assistance cuts, and airline staffing shortages are putting new pressure on both parties to reach a deal. Then Greg speaks with Democratic Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard about his campaign to challenge Georgia’s GOP energy regulators. Hubbard explains why he believes data centers should pay more for electricity, how the state can better manage energy costs, and what he would do to lower power bills for Georgians. 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