Politically Georgia

The Georgia Senate race is already turning personal as Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins move quickly to define each other for a high-stakes general election. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down the early ads, church appearances and campaign messages shaping the matchup. They also look at Ossoff’s push to energize Black voters, Collins’ effort to pair MAGA loyalty with a results-focused pitch, and why both campaigns are watching for moments that could reshape the 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

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy begin with the sad news that their friend and conservative commentator Martha Zoller died Monday after wrapping up her radio show last week. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, they reflect on Zoller’s legacy before turning to the special legislative session at the state Capitol. They break down how a session that began with voting-system deadlines and redistricting drama shifted into a fight over property tax relief, sales taxes and Democratic leverage. They also explain the proposed delay to Georgia’s QR-code voting ban, the push for hand recounts and the changing power dynamics among Republican leaders. 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 Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy for a special episode recorded as lawmakers returned to the Capitol after Georgia’s primary runoffs. They break down the abrupt decision by Republican legislative leaders to shelve redistricting during the special session, despite pressure from Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to move forward. The episode also looks at what the move says about Kemp’s diminished influence after a bruising runoff night, the awkward dynamics inside the Capitol and the new Republican ticket taking shape for November. 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, alongside Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell, takes on both sides of the Republican runoff as Georgia heads to the polls. The conversation centers on Brian Kemp's surprise endorsement of Bert Jones in the governor's race, a Sunday night move that caught even veteran operatives off guard, and what it means for Kemp's own political future if his picks don't deliver. Trump's 1 a.m. Truth Social endorsement of Mike Collins in the Senate race rounds out a 48-hour stretch that scrambled both contests heading into Election Day. 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

AJC editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman sits down with John Hope Bryant to discuss Bryant’s new book, Capitalism for All, and his argument that economic mobility is the unfinished work of the civil rights movement. Bryant explains why he believes Atlanta is uniquely positioned to lead what he calls a “third reconstruction,” centered on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and broader access to opportunity. The conversation also explores the political frustration driving more Americans toward independent politics, the limits of partisan economic messaging, and why Bryant believes “the only true freedom is financial freedom.” 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 sit down with Senator Raphael Warnock for an extended conversation about the Supreme Court ruling that weakened a key section of the Voting Rights Act and the political fallout now unfolding in Georgia. Warnock argues the decision could reshape representation in the South, weighs in on Georgia Republicans’ push for new congressional maps, and explains why he believes voting rights should become Democrats’ top priority in Washington. He also responds to growing calls for more aggressive tactics from civil rights groups and Democrats frustrated by what they see as an erosion of Black political power. 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

On Georgia’s high-stakes primary day, Greg Bluestein is joined by Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell to break down the races most likely to shape the state’s political future. They examine whether billionaire candidate Rick Jackson can buy his way into a GOP governor runoff, whether former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms can avoid overtime in the Democratic race, and why Georgia’s Supreme Court contests have become unexpectedly fierce political battlegrounds. Then Greg speaks with Steve Kornacki, chief data analyst for NBC News, about the turnout numbers, counties and warning signs he’ll be watching as results roll in Tuesday night — and what Georgia’s electorate could signal for national 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down Gov. Brian Kemp’s final bill-signing deadline and why his latest decisions offered a clear window into how he wants to leave office. They unpack his sweeping income tax cut package, the $300 million in new spending he slashed from the budget, and what those cuts reveal about his long-term fiscal strategy as Georgia’s next governor’s race heats up. They also examine Kemp’s decision to sign a controversial measure making certain metro Atlanta races nonpartisan, setting up a legal clash with Fani Willis and other Democratic prosecutors. Plus, they discuss a new transparency law targeting legislative misconduct settlements and why Georgia’s new school cellphone restrictions could have broad support. 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