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

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