Politically Georgia

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...

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms officially launches her campaign for governor. In a one-on-one interview, Greg Bluestein talks with Bottoms about her path back to the ballot, why she believes she can break Georgia Democrats’ losing streak, and what she says sets her apart in the race. Plus, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan joins Greg and Patricia Murphy with his pitch for a new “Main Street...

Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy answer listener questions about executive orders, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest round of vetoes. Then, AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman joins the show to explain a bill Gov. Kemp signed that could open the door for taxpayers to cover Donald Trump’s legal costs in the Georgia election interference case. Have a question or comment for...

Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein break down the major bills awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature as the veto deadline arrives. From tort reform to IVF protections, Kemp hasn’t struck down any legislation yet. Plus, Kemp’s recent meeting with Donald Trump in Washington raises new questions: Can the two unite behind a Republican challenger to Senator Jon Ossoff? Have a question or comment fo...

On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy take a closer look at the proposed Medicaid cuts advancing in Congress. From new work requirements to potential cost-sharing for low-income recipients, they break down what’s at stake for millions of Americans. Plus, Kaiser Family Foundation’s Sam Whitehead joins the show to explain how the changes...

The Senate race in Georgia continues to take shape. On today’s Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s weekend announcement that she won’t run for Senate—while leaving the door open for a future run for governor. Meanwhile, Insurance Commissioner John King officially enters the race to challenge Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, pi...

With Governor Brian Kemp out of the 2026 Senate race, the GOP field is already shifting. On today’s Politically Georgia, Patricia Murphy sits down with U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, the first prominent Republican to jump into the race. Then, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell tackle your questions from the listener mailbag. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georg...

In this special edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell unpack the fallout from Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision not to run for Senate in 2026. With Kemp out, the race to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff is wide open—and so is the speculation. 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...

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 jour...

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 ques...

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 Charli...

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....

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...