A new challenger has stepped up in Georgia politics. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut speak with Democratic state Senator Emanuel Jones, who has filed paperwork to challenge veteran Congressman David Scott in the 2026 race. Jones shares his vision and why he jumped into the race early.

We also sit down with Republican state Senator Jason Anavitarte, who provides his firsthand perspective on President Trump’s inauguration and weighs in on the progress of the Laken Riley Act in Washington. Anavitarte also outlines his legislative priorities for the upcoming session at the state capitol.

Finally, we analyze Attorney General Chris Carr’s strong fundraising totals in the race for Georgia governor. Carr’s early entry into the race appears to be paying off as we look at his cash on hand and where he’s starting to spend it.

Links to today’s topics:

Emanuel Jones to challenge David Scott for Atlanta area congressional seat

Georgia legislators debate action on gun saftey after Apalachee high school shootings

Senator Anavitarte introduces school safety bill

Chris Carr raises $2 million in 40-day quest for governor

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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On the day after President Donald Trump issued executive orders granting reprieves to as many as 1,600 individuals convicted in the January 6th riots, federal judges have begun releasing those convicted and dismissing pending cases. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell speak with Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis about the sweeping pardons and the growing use of executive orders by presidents of both parties.

We are also joined by former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was among several Biden appointees targeted in another Trump executive order firing them from federal positions. Bottoms, who had already resigned, shares her thoughts on being able to say, “You can’t fire me—I quit!”

Finally, Tia provides updates on the confirmation hearing for Georgian Doug Collins, President Trump’s pick to lead the Veterans’ Administration, and the key moments shaping the process.

Links to today’s topics:

Trump pardons Jan. 6 defendants including 44 from Georgia

Presidential pardon power explained

Bottoms to Trump: I've already quit

Here's what Donald Trump did on his first day in power

Doug Collins tells committee he'll put veteran's first if confirmed

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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President Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office and has already issued a wave of executive orders, including pardoning January 6th defendants. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, and Bill Nigut examine what’s next for Trump’s first 100 days and how his agenda could impact Georgia.

We also hear from Jason Carter, grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter, who provides updates on his family and reflects on the potential effects of the Trump administration on Georgia’s political climate.

Plus, Georgia State professor Dinesh Shah unpacks TikTok’s rapid resurgence and its implications for social media and digital communication.

Links to today’s topics:

Donald Trump returns to power and begins to unravel Joe Biden’s legacy

Here’s what President Donald Trump did on his first day in office

Trump pardons Jan. 6 defendants, including 44 from Georgia

Atlanta influencers and TikTok users caught in turmoil over ban of app

TikTok says it's restoring service to US users based on Trump's promised executive order

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy cover the historic convergence of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on the same day as the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

We discuss what to expect as President-elect Trump begins his term with a series of executive orders, including action on immigration and the expected pardoning of January 6th defendants. We also analyze the Georgians who will serve as key allies, staff, and advisers in Trump’s administration and how prominent Georgia Democrats are preparing to navigate the new political landscape following their November losses.

As a special Politically Georgia podcast bonus, Bill Nigut speaks with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., about the significance of this year’s inauguration coinciding with the King holiday and her reflections on her father’s legacy in today’s political climate. 

Links to today’s topics:

Georgia prepares for Trump’s return to power

A Trump convoy from Atlanta settles into suburban DC RV park for inauguration

Bernice King reflects on Trump's inauguration falling on MLK JR. Day

Honor MLK’s birthday at these Atlanta events 

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  

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Governor Brian Kemp made it clear in his State of the State address that his top priority for the 2025 legislative session is passing a bill to limit civil lawsuits and cap massive jury awards. Kemp even hinted he’s prepared to call a special session if lawmakers don’t pass the measure before sine die. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein analyze the highlights of Kemp’s speech and what it means for the session ahead.

Before Kemp’s speech, tensions flared when Georgia Senator Colton Moore was blocked from entering the House chamber, leading to a scuffle with House officials and Moore being arrested and led away in handcuffs. We’ll explain what led to the confrontation and its political implications.

Plus, with Washington gearing up for Donald Trump’s second inauguration, we break down the latest exclusive AJC poll results revealing how Georgia voters feel about the president-elect’s return to power.

Links to today’s topics:

Highlights of Kemp state of state address

Kemp vows to pass bill curbing "excessive" lawsuits one way or another

Far right state senator barred from trying to enter state House

Speaker Burns faces bipartisan pushback for banning senator from House chamber in advance of state of state

 Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   

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Governor Brian Kemp is set to deliver his annual State of the State address, where he’s expected to highlight his push for limits on civil lawsuit awards and reveal more details on a proposed $1 billion investment in Georgia’s infrastructure. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut and Riley Bunch preview Kemp’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session.

We’ll also explore how Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ collaborative relationship with Governor Kemp has improved city-state dynamics, a sharp contrast to the tense relationship Kemp had with former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch joins us to break down how this partnership is benefiting both Atlanta and Georgia.

Plus, the New Georgia Project—a voting rights group founded by Stacey Abrams—has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle allegations that it funded Abrams' first gubernatorial campaign without proper disclosure. We’ll discuss what this settlement means for the future of the once-prominent Democratic organization.

Links to today’s topics:

What to expect from Brian Kemp’s State of the State address

Far-right Georgia lawmaker says he will flout House ban to attend Kemp speech

Georgia voters expect strong economy under Trump, but are anxious about tariffs

How Andre Dickens and Brian Kemp reset city-state relations

Stacey Abrams group to pay largest fine for campaign violations in Georgia history

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   

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As the 2025 Georgia legislative session begins, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted an exclusive poll to gauge how Georgians feel about the major issues lawmakers are set to debate. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell analyze the poll results with the AJC’s Maya T Prabhu and discuss what they reveal about voter priorities for this session.

Plus, the U.S. Senate is preparing to take up the Laken Riley Act, named after the Georgia nursing student tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant. The bill has sparked debate among Democrats, yet it’s receiving notable bipartisan support—with Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath voting in favor and Senator Jon Ossoff announcing his support. We’ll explore the political dynamics surrounding the  measure. 

Links to today’s topics:

AJC poll: voters say discrimination against transgender people is high, but back restrictive measures

AJC poll: Georgians worry abiut being targeted for gun violence but don't support new gun safety measures

Speaker Jon Burns supports protection for use of IVF

Votes on Laken Riley Act show shift in Georgia Democrats' thinking on immigration

Senate hearing schedule for Trump nominees

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”    

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As Georgia’s legislative session continues, business leaders gathered at the annual Eggs & Issues breakfast to hear from Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and House Speaker Jon Burns. Politically Georgia’s Greg Bluestein checks in with hosts Bill Nigut and Patricia Murphy with highlights from the event and the key priorities lawmakers are setting this year.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate has voted to extend the special committee investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her handling of the Trump election interference case. AJC senior reporter Tamar Hallerman explains the latest developments in this ongoing conflict.

Plus, we’ll dive into special counsel Jack Smith’s claim that Donald Trump would have been convicted of election interference if not for his victory, and why former Congressman Doug Collins’s cabinet confirmation hearing is on hold.

Links to today’s topics:

Kemp to dole out extra $50 million in Georgia school security grants

Trump picks former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins to run Veterans Affairs

Georgia Senate revives panel investigating Fulton DA Fani Willis

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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Georgia’s lawmakers are back under the Gold Dome for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and Politically Georgia is live from the Georgia State Capitol. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy bring you the latest as lawmakers begin 40 days of critical debate.

Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones joins the podcast to talk about Democratic priorities this session and how the party plans to recover after November’s tough losses.

We also highlight the rising political figures to watch this session as they build momentum for future statewide races.

Plus, Governor Brian Kemp is set for a high-profile week, addressing business leaders at the Eggs and Issues breakfast and preparing for his State of the State address.

Links to today’s topics:

Georgia Legislature convenes with a more diverse crop of lawmakers

What to watch for as the Georgia legislative session begins

Your guide to the 2025 session of the Legislature

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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The legislative session kicks off Monday, and Georgia’s politicians are gearing up for another 40-day session under the Gold Dome. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, host Greg Bluestein previews the issues that will dominate the session.

First, Greg sits down with House Speaker Jon Burns, who outlines the Republican agenda, including Medicaid, school safety, and IVF protections. Then, Democratic state Representative Michelle Au shares her priorities and vision for the Democratic Party following November’s sweeping losses.

Finally, it’s Friday, which means we’re diving into the listener mailbag to answer your questions and sharing Greg’s picks for who’s up and who’s down in politics this week. 

Links to today’s topics:

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns previews the upcoming legislative session

New poll shows most Georgia voters want to legalize sports betting 

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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Today marks the conclusion of memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut-farmer-turned-president, as he is laid to rest. On this special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell provide coverage of the state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Carter will be eulogized by his grandson Jason Carter and President Joe Biden, with a homily by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young.

We also guide you through the final leg of Carter’s journey as his remains are flown back to Georgia for a private funeral service in Plains, where he will be buried alongside his beloved wife, Rosalynn, at their family home. 

Links to today’s topics:

Full coverage: Jimmy Carter 1924-2024

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”   

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