The Georgia Politics Podcast

In this episode of  The Georgia Politics Podcast , we sit down with Adam Cleveland, a candidate for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's 48th House District. Cleveland shares what motivated him to run and how his professional and personal experiences have shaped his approach to public service. He discusses the key issues facing District 48—from education and healthcare to economic development an...

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast , we sit down with Kelvin King, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Georgia Secretary of State. King discusses what led him to enter the race and how his background in business and the military informs his approach to public service. We dive into his views on election integrity and the role of the Secretary of State's office, along with his...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Case Norton, a Democratic candidate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District, for a wide-ranging conversation about his campaign, priorities, and vision for one of the state's most closely watched races. Norton discusses what motivated him to run, how his background has shaped his approach to public service, and why he beli...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, the Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan's showdown for the Republican nomination in 1976  became one of the most consequential intraparty battles in modern political history. What began as a challenge from the right quickly evolved into a full-scale fight for the identity and direction of the GOP, pitting Ford's pragmatic, incumbent leadership ag...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Larry Long, Democratic candidate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District, to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the future of the district. Long shares what motivated him to run for Congress, the issues he believes matter most to voters—from economic opportunity and healthcare to education and the environment...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we break down Georgia's 2026 candidate qualifying deadline and what it means for the upcoming election cycle. Eamon Keegan, President of New Prospect Strategies, joing the show to talk about who is in, who decided not to run, and the last-minute surprises that shaped the final slate of candidates across the state. The hosts discuss several of the...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast ! On this episode, we sit down with State Rep. Betsy Holland for an in-depth conversation about the experiences and values that shaped her path to public service. Rep. Holland shares stories from her upbringing and the influences that helped shape her worldview, as well as how her professional career prepared her for a role in the Georgia General Assembly ....

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this episode, State Rep.  Chuck Martin joins the podcast to break down what made it through the Georgia House of Representatives — and what didn't. We talk about the major bills that advanced, the surprises of the day, and what it all means for the remainder of the 2026 legislative session. Martin also shares behind-the-scenes insight into how lawmakers...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We're breaking down a busy week in politics at both the national and state level. We start with a look at the 2026 State of the Union, where President Donald Trump delivered the longest address in U.S. history and laid out his agenda on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy amid sharp partisan divisions. Then we turn to Georgia politics, discussing n...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, Rep. Brad Thomas discusses his legislation aimed at regulating data center development across the state. We explore how rapid growth in data infrastructure is shaping economic development, energy demand, and local zoning debates in Georgia. Thomas explains the policy goals behind the bill, including balancing technology investment with comm...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week on The Georgia Politics Podcast, we trace the remarkable rise of Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter from the Gold Dome to the White House. How did a little-known, one-term governor from Plains transform himself into a viable presidential contender in the wake of Watergate? We examine Carter's outsider message, his emphasis on honesty and reform, and th...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are taking a deep dive into the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — and the lasting political impact he leaves behind. From his early days working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, Jackson reshaped the modern Democratic coalition and expanded the national political conversation. The team explor...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we dive into the seismic shake-up underway in the race for Georgia governor . Billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson has thrown his hat into the GOP primary, stunning political observers with a well-funded outsider bid that's rattling the established field of candidates. We break down what Jackson's entry means for the dynamics of the con...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1976 again, and in this episode, we take a deep dive into the unusual story behind the 1976 Winter Olympics — the Games that were awarded to Denver, Colorado, and then dramatically given up after voters said no. We explore how Denver won the bid in 1970, only to see rising environmental concerns, ballooning costs, and taxpayer resistance spark a statew...

Part two of The Georgia Politics Podcast's special mini-series on the pivotal year of 1976 turns to one of the most influential — and still debated — Supreme Court decisions in American political history: Buckley v. Valeo. In this episode, we unpack how a post-Watergate push for campaign finance reform led to a constitutional showdown over the role of money in politics, and how the Court's ruling...

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast , we're joined by Alex Vanden Heuvel, Chief of Staff for State Senator Nikki Merritt, for an inside look at how Georgia Democrats are preparing for the 2026 legislative session. From policy priorities to political strategy, we explore what Democrats hope to advance — and where they expect the toughest fights at the Capitol. We discuss the party's app...

After diving deep into the upheaval of 1975, The Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off a new miniseries on 1976 — a year when Georgia politics collided with national ambition, cultural change and a little bit of chaos. In Episode 1, our hosts set the stage. From behind-the-scenes maneuvering to the personalities who shaped the moment, this opening episode previews the stories, stakes and surprises th...

In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we are re-running out interview with Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond discussing the history, legacy, and ongoing significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As the son of civil rights leader Julian Bond and a dedicated public servant, Councilman Bond offers a unique and personal perspective on the life and work of Dr. King. Counc...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back in full swing as the 2026 legislative session kicks off under the Gold Dome. On this episode, we break down opening day at the Capitol — from the swearing-in of lawmakers to early priorities and the return of lobbyists, advocates and citizen activists. We also head to Savannah, where seven Democratic candidates for governor shared the stage to t...

Season 7 of the Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off with a comprehensive preview of the upcoming legislative session at the Georgia Capitol. State Rep. Scott Hilton joins the show for an in-depth conversation about what lawmakers will face under the Gold Dome in the weeks ahead. The discussion covers major budget priorities, tax policy debates and other issues expected to dominate the session. Hilt...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! R. William Johnstone joins the who for an in-depth conversation about his new book examining the life and legacy of former U.S. Sen. Wyche Fowler, one of the most consequential — and now often overlooked — figures in modern Georgia politics. Johnstone walks listeners through Fowler's rise from state politics to Washington, detailing the relationships, legis...

Welcome to the final episode of 2025 for The Georgia Politics Podcast! The panel takes a fast-paced, end-of-year look back at the moments that defined Georgia and national politics — McLaughlin Group–style. From elections and court fights to policy clashes under the Gold Dome and in Washington, the panel delivers sharp takes, quick hits, and bold judgments on what mattered most, who gained ground,...

It's 1975 again - one last time - as Craig and Professor Stone conclude their special mini-series revisiting the notable events of 1975, 50 years later. After spending almost a year unpacking the moments that mattered, they reflect on what fascinated them most, what hasn't aged well, and which stories continue to resonate decades later. The conversation moves beyond timelines and facts, as Craig a...

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we honor the life, art, and impact of Rob Reiner - the filmmaker whose work helped define modern American cinema. We reflect on Rob's journey from sitcom star to visionary director of beloved classics like This Is Spinal Tap , Stand by Me , The Princess Bride , When Harry Met Sally… , and A Few Good Men — films that continue to resonate across ge...

Twenty-five years after Bush v. Gore reshaped American politics, The Georgia Politics Podcast welcomes three guests who witnessed the chaos firsthand. Former Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann , political strategist BJ Van Gundy , and elections attorney Doug Chalmers all three traveled to Florida in 2000 to assist with the historic recount that ultimately determined the presidency. In this ep...