State Sen. Josh McLaurin launched his campaign for lieutenant governor in Savannah, and on today’s episode of Politically Georgia, the Sandy Springs Democrat tells hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein why he's taking a statewide approach from day one. Plus, Tia Mitchell talks with AJC editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman about the significance of World Press Freedom Day and the challenges facing journalism in 2025.

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 [email protected].

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Governor Brian Kemp’s decision not to run for U.S. Senate sets off a political scramble in Georgia. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, and Greg Bluestein break down the ripple effects of Kemp’s announcement, including who’s angling to take his place on the 2026 ballot. Plus, they look at Senator Raphael Warnock’s Atlanta town hall, where he tackled questions on tariffs, DOGE cuts, and the Middle East — and how his style stacks up against Ossoff and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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In a major development, Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday that he will not run for U.S. Senate in 2026—dashing hopes among Republicans who viewed him as their strongest contender against Senator Jon Ossoff. On today’s episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell unpack what Kemp’s decision means for the GOP field. Then, they turn to an interview with Charlie Bailey, the newly elected chair of the Democratic Party of 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 [email protected].

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”

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Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell unpack the latest AJC poll showing a tight race between Kemp and Ossoff in 2026. With Kemp's plans unclear and Ossoff leading other potential matchups, the political landscape is uncertain. Plus, they answer listener questions in the Monday mailbag.

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 [email protected].

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”

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Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with state Sen. Jason Esteves, who has officially launched his campaign for Georgia governor. The Atlanta Democrat talks about his path from the school board to the state Senate, why he’s challenging the odds in a red-leaning state, and his vision for small businesses, health care, and the future of the Democratic Party.

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 [email protected].

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”

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Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, and Patricia Murphy unpack fresh AJC polling with UGA pollster Trey Hood. With 55% disapproving of Trump’s economic record and inflation topping voter concerns, the results paint a stark picture of how Georgians view the current and future economy.

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 [email protected].

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”

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Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down Senator Jon Ossoff’s recent town hall, including a tense exchange over Donald Trump and the contrasts with town halls held by Reps. McCormick and Greene. Plus, they introduce Everton Blair, a former Gwinnett school board chair now running to unseat U.S. Rep. David Scott.

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 [email protected]. 

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On today’s Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell dig into your Monday Mailbag questions. They cover crime statistics in Clarkston, the rise in student visa revocations linked to the Laken Riley Act, and confusion over Georgia’s new school cell phone policy. Plus, a a look at the final version of tort reform, and whether UGA will display the Confederate Constitution.

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 [email protected]. 

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  

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Atlanta City Council is back from spring recess and staring down a $20 million budget shortfall. On today’s Politically Georgia, host Patricia Murphy talks with AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch about what’s driving the deficit and what comes next. Then, AJC business reporter Emma Hurt joins the show to break down the politics behind Hartsfield-Jackson’s 100-year legacy—and Mayor Andre Dickens’ pointed message amid renewed tensions over control of the airport.

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 [email protected]. 

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  

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After President Trump’s executive orders dismantling DEI programs, major companies like Target began scaling back their diversity efforts—sparking backlash from longtime advocates. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy speak with Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, who is leading a boycott against Target following its rollback of DEI policies. 

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