Politically Georgia

Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down the political fallout from a sweeping U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakens a key section of the Voting Rights Act and could reshape Georgia’s political maps. They examine why Republicans are already eyeing new congressional and legislative districts, why Gov. Brian Kemp says new maps won’t come before the 2026 elections, and which Democratic-held seats could be most vulnerable in a future redraw. Then Greg and Tia speak with Georgia State University constitutional law professor Eric Segall about what the ruling means for minority representation, why he believes the decision could have long-term consequences beyond Congress, and where legal fights could move next. 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 break down the latest AJC poll of Georgia Democrats and why Keisha Lance Bottoms holds a commanding lead in the governor’s race without locking up the nomination. They examine the scramble for second place between Michael Thurmond, Jason Esteves and Geoff Duncan, and what the large bloc of undecided voters could mean for a runoff. They also dig into what the poll reveals about Democratic voters’ deep opposition to Donald Trump, rising economic anxiety and growing backlash to AI-driven data centers across 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy to dig into the AJC’s new polling on Georgia’s Republican races for governor and U.S. Senate. They size up Rick Jackson’s close contest with Burt Jones, the large share of undecided voters and what the numbers suggest about Donald Trump’s influence in the GOP primary. They also weigh Mike Collins’ lead in the Senate race, Buddy Carter’s attacks and Derek Dooley’s challenge in turning Brian Kemp’s support into broader momentum. 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 answer listener questions with producer Shane Backler, starting with how competitive Democratic primaries could change the usual crossover voting patterns in Georgia. They also examine whether a recent Supreme Court ruling could trigger another round of redistricting, why Rick Jackson is already targeting Keisha Lance Bottoms, and what counted as a win in the latest Republican Senate debate. The episode also looks at DSA-backed candidates challenging Georgia Democrats, skepticism around prediction markets, and the race to replace the late Congressman David Scott. Shane shares remembrance tape from Marcye Scott and Calvin Smyre on David Scott’s legacy and long ties to his district. 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 hosts alongside Patricia Murphy as Georgia Supreme Court Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren discusses her reelection campaign and warns about partisan pressure on officially nonpartisan judicial races. Warren also talks about her recent breast cancer diagnosis, her work on the court and why she says Georgia’s judiciary should not become another political branch of government. Then Tia Mitchell talks with Congressman Clay Fuller, Georgia’s newest member of Congress, after his special election win to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene. Fuller discusses his first days in Washington, his focus on rural North Georgia and the viral hotel air-conditioning video he says was meant as satire. 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 hosts with Patricia Murphy for a look at two major Republican debates in the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. They break down the sharp exchanges between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson in the governor’s race, including attacks over immigration, campaign money and allegations tied to Jones’ use of power. Greg and Patricia also examine the Republican U.S. Senate debate, where Buddy Carter and Mike Collins clashed over an ethics complaint while Derek Dooley tried to position himself as an outsider alternative. 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 sits down with Patricia Murphy and former state Sen. Jason Carter to examine how Georgia Democrats are thinking about the governor’s race, Donald Trump’s influence and the party’s path beyond metro Atlanta. Carter explains why he is backing Jason Esteves, what he sees in the crowded Republican field and how Democrats could make gains in the Georgia House. Then Greg speaks with Dr. John Cowan, a Republican running for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District, about his shift from Trump critic to Trump ally, his critique of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s style of politics and his views on health care, tariffs and Iran. 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 Tia Mitchell answer listener questions about the flood of campaign ads in Georgia’s governor’s race and why many focus more on attacks and endorsements than policy details. They break down what low turnout at a JD Vance event in Athens could signal about youth engagement, and why Democrats are targeting long-shot challenges in Georgia Supreme Court races. The conversation also examines warning signs for Republicans ahead of November and the political stakes of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, including new comments from Senator Raphael Warnock. They also discuss former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ memoir rollout and the growing influence and limits of the State Election Board. 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 opens with breaking news on the death of longtime Congressman David Scott, tracing his decades-long career from the Georgia legislature to Congress and reflecting on his political legacy. He discusses Scott’s role as a centrist Democrat, his deep ties to constituents, and the uncertainty now facing his seat. Then Greg speaks with Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel about the rising political stakes in judicial races and the pressure on a traditionally nonpartisan bench. In the second segment, Tia Mitchell joins Greg to preview the Atlanta Press Club debate series with Lauri Strauss and what voters should watch as crowded primaries take shape. 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 Tia Mitchell talk with Jonathan Martin about his sit-down interview with Gov. Brian Kemp at the Masters and what it reveals about Kemp’s political future. They examine Kemp’s push for Derek Dooley in the Senate race, concerns about the GOP bench, and the shifting outlook for Jon Ossoff’s reelection chances. The conversation also explores Kemp’s uneasy alignment with Donald Trump and what it could mean for 2028. Martin outlines how Georgia’s top Democrats, including Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, are gaining national attention as potential presidential contenders. 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

Tia Mitchell sits down with Marjorie Taylor Greene for a wide-ranging conversation about her post-Congress political role and ongoing influence inside Republican politics. Greene sharply criticizes Donald Trump over foreign policy and campaign promises, arguing a growing divide between what she calls “old MAGA” and a shifting coalition inside the party. She also outlines why she believes Republicans are struggling in Georgia, pointing to weak messaging, voter frustration, and turnout concerns. The interview closes with her warning that those dynamics could shape the 2026 Senate race and broader statewide contests. 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 Tia Mitchell break down the sparse crowd at Vice President JD Vance’s event in Athens and what it could signal about Republican enthusiasm among young voters. They also answer listener questions about why transgender issues dominate GOP messaging despite limited voter focus, and how that strategy could backfire. The episode explores a defamation lawsuit in the governor’s race as both legal fight and campaign tactic, along with new signals in key congressional contests. Plus, they examine how a tight election calendar is complicating the chances of a special legislative session. 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 breaks down what he heard moderating a Democratic gubernatorial forum in Atlanta, where candidates emphasized affordability, health care and opposition to Donald Trump while still introducing themselves to voters. He explains why the race remains unsettled, with many Democrats undecided and major contrasts still ahead. Then Greg sits down with Gabe Sterling to discuss his bid for secretary of state and whether a Republican who rejected 2020 election conspiracy theories can win a GOP primary. Sterling outlines his defense of Georgia’s voting system, weighs in on proposed election changes and warns about threats ranging from misinformation to potential disruptions at polling sites. 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 goes inside one of Georgia Democrats’ biggest annual gatherings, the Carter-Lewis dinner, alongside Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell. They break down the message party leaders and candidates are trying to carry into 2026, from affordability and stability to tying Republicans to Donald Trump. They also examine where Democrats think they can compete, why down-ballot and rural races still matter, and how much of this strategy depends on strong candidates rather than just a favorable climate. The episode also looks at what Jon Ossoff, Andy Beshear and other prominent Democrats reveal about the party’s broader argument in 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the mounting pressure on Gov. Brian Kemp as election law changes left lawmakers with unfinished business and no easy path forward. They explain why a special session could collide with primary and runoff politics, and why letting the courts sort it out could create even more uncertainty. Greg and Patricia also look at the stack of major bills still awaiting Kemp’s signature, from tax cuts and literacy reforms to politically charged measures involving metro Atlanta prosecutors and sexual abuse settlements. 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

Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell break down the Georgia runoff results, including a closer-than-expected margin in the 14th District. They examine what the numbers may signal about voter enthusiasm, shifting coalitions and the stakes for statewide races. Then Patricia and Tia turn to listener questions on the unsettled Republican field challenging Jon Ossoff, the role of Georgia’s runoff system and pressure to change it, and how global tensions are shaping gas prices at home. They also discuss what lawmakers did and did not pass this session on homelessness and mental health funding. 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

Patricia Murphy sits down with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Stephen Lawson to assess how Georgia’s legislative session sets the stage for campaign season. They break down what Republicans and Democrats can claim as wins and where unresolved issues could spill into legal fights or a special session. The conversation turns to the GA-14 runoff, where a narrower-than-expected margin raises questions about Republican strength and Democratic momentum. They also dig into the crowded governor’s race and U.S. Senate contest, examining strategy, spending, and how national politics could shape both races. 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 sit down with House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones as she prepares to step down after more than two decades under the Gold Dome. Jones reflects on her rise through Republican leadership, her focus on education policy, and why she decided now was the time to leave office. She also discusses her approach to power behind the scenes and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring the next generation. Greg and Patricia then examine what her departure means for the balance of power in the Georgia House and the Republicans looking to move up. 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 answer listener questions about a late-session push to make some metro Atlanta elections nonpartisan and the legal fight likely to follow. They also unpack the strategy behind Rick Jackson’s ad using praise from Burt Jones and what it reveals about the governor’s race. Then Greg sits down with congressional candidate Rob Adkerson, a former top aide to Barry Loudermilk, to discuss his campaign, views on Congress and foreign policy, and how he would represent a solidly Republican district. 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 wrap up Georgia’s 2026 legislative session after a chaotic final night under the Gold Dome. They break down competing Republican tax priorities, a last-minute collapse over property tax limits and the broader push to frame the session around affordability. Greg and Patricia also examine the unresolved fight over voting systems, including the possibility of a special session or court intervention. They close with a look at how tensions, unfinished business and internal divisions now spill into campaign season. 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