Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we tackle one of the biggest stories in Washington with direct consequences here at home: the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

The immediate effects are already rippling through Georgia, where tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors face furloughs or delayed paychecks. Military bases could see disruptions, research grants to major universities like Georgia Tech and Emory may be delayed, and federal parks and historic sites are expected to close. While Social Security checks will still go out, programs like SNAP could be strained if the shutdown drags on.

Closer to home, we break down the results of the Georgia State Senate District 21 special runoff, where Republican Jason Dickerson defeated Democrat Debra Shigley 9,432 to 7,009. Shigley had led the crowded August primary, but Dickerson's win ensures the GOP maintains its 33–23 majority in the state Senate.

We also look ahead to the 2026 election cycle. State Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Democrat from Gwinnett County, has announced her run for governor. At just 32, Romman has already made history as the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia legislature and the first Palestinian American to hold public office in the state. Her campaign is expected to focus on raising the minimum wage, reopening closed hospitals, and addressing corporate ownership of single-family homes.

Meanwhile, Republican State Sen. Greg Dolezal is entering the lieutenant governor's race. A close ally of former President Donald Trump, Dolezal is emphasizing conservative priorities such as eliminating DEI programs, opposing transgender policies in schools, and taking a tough-on-crime approach. He's also known for challenging the results of Georgia's 2020 election and sponsoring legislation restricting transgender athletes.

It's a busy week in Georgia politics, from the fallout of a national crisis to the early maneuvering for 2026. We break it all down.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this installment of our special mini-series, we're joined by Dr. Mirelle Luecke, curator of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, to revisit the infamous attempts on President Ford's life in 1975.

In 1975, President Gerald Ford survived two assassination attempts in California, both carried out by women connected to radical movements.

On September 5, 1975, in Sacramento, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, aimed a pistol at Ford as he greeted supporters outside the state capitol. The gun did not fire because there was no round in the chamber, and she was quickly subdued by Secret Service agents.

Just 17 days later, on September 22, 1975, Sara Jane Moore attempted to shoot Ford outside a San Francisco hotel. She fired one shot, which missed the president, before a bystander, Oliver Sipple, grabbed her arm, preventing further shots.

Both women were arrested and sentenced to life in prison. The incidents highlighted the tense political climate of the 1970s and led to tightened presidential security measures.

Connect with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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On this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we welcome longtime Johns Creek resident and Rivermont Golf Club owner Chris Cupit to discuss why he is helping lead the effort to encourage residents to vote no on this November's referendum to fund a new performing arts center.

With Election Day quickly approaching, Johns Creek voters will see a bond referendum on the ballot asking whether to fund a new community arts center.

Cupit has emerged as a prominent voice in the "no" campaign, and he joins the show to share his perspective on why he believes the arts center bond is not the right move for Johns Creek. We discuss the details of the proposal, how it fits into the city's broader vision, and what voters should keep in mind as they head to the polls in November.

Editor's Note: We welcome any leader of the "yes" campaign to join us for an episode to discuss why they think the bond IS the right move for Johns Creek.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

The Georgia Politics Podcast continues its Candidate Profile series with Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, who is seeking re-election. Mayor Paul reflects on his years in office and offers perspective on how Sandy Springs has changed since its incorporation and during his tenure as mayor.

In this wide-ranging conversation, he discusses the city's approach to growth and development, infrastructure investment, and transportation challenges in a rapidly growing region. He also addresses issues of housing and fiscal management, as well as the city's efforts to maintain a distinct community identity while balancing the needs of residents and businesses.

As part of the Candidate Profile series, the goal of this episode is to provide voters with a clear sense of how Mayor Paul views the accomplishments and ongoing challenges in Sandy Springs, and what he hopes to achieve if re-elected.

Click here to connect with Rusty or to find out more about his campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We continue our Candidate Profile series with Mary Robichaux, former Georgia State Representative and current candidate for mayor of Roswell.

Robichaux shares why she decided to run, the lessons she brings from her time at the State Capitol, and the values she believes should guide local government. She also outlines her priorities for Roswell — including, in her words, restoring a government that listens to residents and makes decisions with transparency.

Throughout the conversation, Robichaux reflects on what she has learned from serving both at the state and community level, and how those experiences have shaped her approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. She also shares her perspective on what makes Roswell unique, and how the city can balance progress with preservation in the years ahead.

This episode offers voters an opportunity to hear directly from one of the candidates hoping to lead Roswell into its next chapter. Whether you live in Roswell or simply follow Georgia politics closely, you'll come away with a clearer understanding of Mary Robichaux's candidacy, her vision for the city, and the issues that will define this important local election.

Click here to connect with Mary or to find out more about her campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We begin with the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, gunned down by a rooftop sniper while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, was quickly arrested, but the killing has left the nation reeling and has reignited urgent conversations about political violence, free speech, and the safety of public figures.

Then we turn to Georgia, where the 2026 gubernatorial race just got a lot more interesting. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, known for standing up to Donald Trump in 2020, is running as a Republican on a platform of job growth, lower taxes, and stricter immigration controls. Meanwhile, former Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan has shocked many by switching parties and entering the race as a Democrat, pitching himself as a centrist alternative for independents and disaffected Republicans.

Staying in Georgia politics, Gabriel Sterling—who rose to national prominence for forcefully pushing back against Trump's false claims of a stolen election—has filed to run for Secretary of State in 2026. Sterling insists Georgia elections remain among the safest in the nation, but he'll face tough GOP primary rivals, including Tim Fleming and Kelvin King.

And finally, we cover the latest twist in the Trump election interference case. The Georgia Supreme Court has declined to hear Fani Willis's appeal, upholding a lower court ruling that disqualifies her from prosecuting the case. A special prosecutor will now be appointed by the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia to take over, setting the stage for a dramatic new chapter in one of the most closely watched cases in the country.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we continue our candidate profile series with a conversation featuring Dontaye Carter, who is running for Mayor of Sandy Springs.

Dontaye Carter is the founder of Carter Media Group and a former journalist turned communications strategist, now running for Mayor of Sandy Springs. Raised by a determined, single mother and born in Frankfurt to U.S. military parents, Carter's early life taught him the power of perseverance, service, and storytelling.

He brings those values into his campaign - combining his media expertise with community leadership. From leading the Fulton County District Attorney's Public Affairs Office to amplifying voices in high-profile cases like Ahmaud Arbery and R. Kelly, Carter has made advocacy central to his career.

As a father, husband, small business owner, and active volunteer—serving roles such as Vice Chair of his child's school council, First Vice President of the Atlanta NAACP, and Chair of North Fulton Democrats—he's deeply invested in building a community that lifts every voice.

Now, Carter is running for mayor to tackle affordability, equity, and transparency. He's pushing to increase access to affordable housing for teachers and first responders; reform the property tax millage rate; ensure better infrastructure and traffic solutions; support minority businesses; and protect civil rights.

Click here to connect with Dontaye or to find out more about his campaign.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey joins the show for a candid conversation about this year's elections and current events.

We begin the show by reflecting on the tragic assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, an event that has sent shockwaves through political circles across the country.

We then shift focus to Georgia, where Democrats are facing several critical tests in the near future. Bailey outlines the party's strategy in the upcoming Senate District 21 runoff - a race that could serve as a bellwether for suburban and swing voters. He also talks through the stakes of the Public Service Commission contests, which will determine how Georgia approaches energy costs, infrastructure investment, and regulatory oversight for years to come.

Bailey shares what he sees as the opportunities - and challenges - for Democrats as they try to build momentum heading into 2026. Whether you're following these races closely or just trying to understand where Georgia politics is headed, this conversation offers valuable insights straight from the top of the state party.

Connect with Charlie and the Democratic Party of Georgia, HERE

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we have a conversation with Tate Holcombe, candidate for Alpharetta City Council Post 3.

Tate grew up in the city he now hopes to help lead, attending King's Ridge Christian School before heading to Samford University. Today, he is raising his young daughter in the same community where he spent his own childhood, giving him a deeply personal stake in Alpharetta's future.

In our interview, Tate reflects on his upbringing in Alpharetta, sharing memories of its parks and schools, and how those experiences shaped his vision for the city. He speaks about his campaign's focus on putting families first, with priorities that include preserving and expanding Alpharetta's parks and recreation spaces, maintaining strong public safety, and ensuring that the city continues to grow responsibly. He also discusses pressing issues like traffic and parking, explaining how he hopes to balance the needs of a modern, thriving Alpharetta with the small-town character that has long defined it.

Throughout the conversation, Tate emphasizes his belief that local leadership works best when it is rooted in community connections and shaped by the voices of residents. With a platform centered on safety, livability, and family-friendly policies, he makes the case for why he believes he is the right candidate to represent Post 3 on the Alpharetta City Council.

To learn more about Tate Holcombe and his campaign, visit electtate.com.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Fulton County may have reached a tipping point as Democratic commissioners resist a court order requiring the appointment of two Republicans to the elections board.

A judge has ruled that Fulton County Commissioners must appoint Julie Adams and Jason Frazier to its Board of Elections, as the law mandates no discretion for the commissioners to reject them. When the Democratic-majority Board of Commissioners declined, the court held them in contempt and imposed a $10,000-per-day fine. That penalty is now paused because the commissioners have appealed.

Also, we got an early start to election season this year in Georgia as Debra Shigley and Jason Dickerson are headed to a September 23 runoff after finishing 1/2 in the August primary to replace Brandon Beach in a special election for SD21. Shigley, the lone Democrat in a seven-candidate special election led the primary with about 40% of the vote and Republican Jason Dickerson finished second with 17.4%, edging out Cherokee County Commissioner Steve West (17.1%).

We also touch on some updates to the Lieutenant Governor's race, as there are not 4 declared Republican candidates including Senate leaders Steve Gooch, John Kennedy, Blake Tillery, and Rep. David Clark. Sen. Greg Dolezal may also enter. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Josh McLaurin is the only announced candidate so far. The campaign is shaping up around high-stakes policy debates, particularly GOP efforts to eliminate Georgia's state income tax.

Overhyped/Underhyped, Play-Along-At-Home and much more on today's jam packed episode!

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol