Politically Georgia

As President Donald Trump enters the second half of his term, new polling suggests his support may be slipping. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan joins the show to share his perspective on why some voters may be having regrets — and whether he sees a political future for himself. Then, AJC reporter Michelle Baruchman breaks down the slew of new Georgia laws taking effect July 1, from IVF protec...

Former Georgia Senate Pro Tem John F. Kennedy joins Politically Georgia to talk about his campaign for lieutenant governor — and how he plans to distinguish himself in a crowded GOP field. Then, it’s time for Monday Mailbag. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell respond to your questions on Georgia’s abortion laws, the future of Social Security, and the politics of language.   Have a question or c...

A historic land deal has halted a controversial mining proposal next to the Okefenokee Swamp, ending a six-year fight and delivering a major win for conservationists. On Thursday’s episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein speaks with AJC environment reporter Drew Kann about what the agreement means for the swamp’s future. Then, co-host Tia Mitchell talks with Skyler Akins o...

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy discuss the U.S. military strikes in Iran and how Georgia’s congressional delegation is responding. They also break down the latest developments in the Senate’s version of President Trump’s sweeping reconciliation bill, including key changes to Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and tax policy. Then, immigrat...

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein explore Georgia’s political reaction to President Donald Trump’s weekend decision to launch military strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. Then, state Rep. Derrick Jackson joins the show to discuss his newly announced campaign for governor. Jackson shares his plans to focus on wages, work, and wealth—and outlines his positions on immigration, abortion, and mili...

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell open the listener mailbag to tackle timely questions about political violence, fact-checking, and election rules in Georgia. Then, Greg Bluestein joins Patricia for an exclusive interview with State Sen. Steve Gooch, who discusses his bid for lieutenant governor, the impact of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on Georgia’s budget, and his take on leading the Geor...

On this Juneteenth edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy explore the legacy of the holiday through conversations about resilience, advocacy and joy. Tia sits down with Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, to talk about her organization's policy priorities and how faith and justice intersect in her work. Then, Ernie Suggs...

On today’s Washington Wednesday episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy examine U.S. Rep. David Scott’s bid for reelection amid mounting questions about his age, visibility, and ability to serve. With several challengers entering the Democratic primary — including Jasmine Clark, Emmanuel Jones and Everton Blair — the race for Georgia’s 13th District is heating up. Al...

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell cover the weekend’s military parade in D.C., Georgia’s “No Kings Day” protests, and how the recent assassinations of two Minnesota lawmakers have heightened security concerns for public officials in Georgia and across the country. Then, WRBL News 3’s Chuck Williams joins the show to explain the escalating political tension in Columbus, Georgia, where city lea...

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy spotlight one of Georgia’s most overlooked but impactful elections: the race for Public Service Commission. They speak with District 2 Republican incumbent candidate, Comissioner Tim Echols about Georgia Power rate hikes, Plant Vogtle, and the future of energy regulation. Then, Greg sits down with all three Democrats vying to challenge Republican incumbent...

On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who’s challenging longtime Congressman David Scott in Georgia’s 13th District. Clark talks about why she thinks it’s time for a change, her background in public health, and how she plans to bring a more aggressive voice to Washington. Then, Tia Mitchell and Greg are joined by Jacob...

Hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy talk about Georgia’s persistent mail delays and the future of the Postal Service with Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union. Then, they unpack Insurance Commissioner John King’s claim that Senators Ossoff and Warnock ignored his pleas to help Afghan partners during the U.S. withdrawal—fact-checking what King said and where the story...

On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy recap the Georgia GOP convention in Dalton—where talk of unity ran headlong into rumors, new contenders, and long-simmering divides. They unpack the surprising emergence of the son of former UGA football coach Vince Dolley, Derek Dooley, as a possible Senate candidate, and what Marjorie Taylor Greene had to say abo...

On this Monday Mailbag edition of Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein tackles your questions about the Trump administration’s proposed Medicaid cuts, the search for a Republican challenger to Senator Jon Ossoff, and the effects of federal budget reductions on Georgia’s colleges and universities. Producer Shane Backler brings the questions, and Greg has the answers.  Have a question or comment...

On today’s special edition of Politically Georgia, host Greg Bluestein sits down with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter. The ambassador shares Israel’s perspective on the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and efforts to address civilian suffering.  Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-81...

On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, Patricia Murphy sits down with Republican state Senator Brian Strickland, who shares why he’s jumping into the race for Georgia attorney general and what sets him apart from others in the field. Then, AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch joins Patricia and Greg Bluestein to discuss former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ surprise bid for governor, includ...

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy unpack the power of presidential pardons—how they work, why they’re so controversial, and what’s different about Donald Trump’s approach. AJC legal reporter Rosie Manins joins to explain the legal and political fallout. Then, Alex Little, lawyer for reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, shares...

Host Patricia Murphy talks with Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes about her work in the department, her career path, and her goals for a second term in 2026. Then, AJC Business Editor Scott Trubey joins to unpack the latest updates on tariffs, Georgia’s business climate, and the potential impact of Trump’s proposed budget cuts on clean energy and electric vehicle incentives in Georg...

On today’s Monday Mailbag edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer listener questions about Insurance Commissioner John King’s political positioning, whether Gov. Brian Kemp is ready to retire—or rule from the sidelines—and how Georgia might handle federal funding cuts. Plus, they dive into concerns about the 2017 tax law, SNAP benefits, and the impact of transg...

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg sit down with state Rep. Kasey Carpenter to discuss why he’s voicing concerns about how immigration laws are being enforced—and the Dalton community’s response to a local student’s deportation. Then, Republican strategist Stephen Lawson joins to dissect the newfound alliance forming between Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp and what it means for the GOP’s search for a...

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy unpack what’s inside President Donald Trump’s sweeping reconciliation bill as it heads to the Senate—and what could derail it. Reporter Michael Jones joins the show to explain the sharp divisions among Senate Republicans over spending cuts, Medicaid changes, and deficit concerns. Then, the show turn...

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell hit the road for updates from across the state. In Savannah, AJC coastal reporter Adam Van Brimmer breaks down the quiet GOP scramble to replace Rep. Buddy Carter and the early ripple effects of new tariffs at Georgia’s ports. Then in Athens, bureau chief Fletcher Page shares how the city is still grappling with the aftermath of Laken Riley’s death and what’s...

On this Memorial Day edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer your questions from the listener mailbag, starting with a deeply personal and politically charged story about Georgia’s abortion law and its real-world impact. Then, they respond to a listener’s idea to draft 2026 Senate contenders, and dig into your questions on Keisha Lance Bottoms’ candidacy, taxpa...

On today’s Politically Georgia, Insurance Commissioner John King joins Greg Bluestein to talk about his run for U.S. Senate. King shares his pitch to Georgia voters, weighs in on immigration, and discusses what it would mean to earn endorsements from both Governor Brian Kemp and former President Donald Trump. Plus, Greg and Patricia Murphy turn to the wide-open race for governor as Keisha Lance Bo...

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy unpack why Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde broke ranks on President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Clyde voted against advancing the measure, citing concerns over Medicaid and taxes on gun silencers. Plus, Ife Finch Floyd of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute joins the show to explain how prop...