Politically Georgia

Today's episode features an in-depth look at Governor Brian Kemp's legal overhaul legislation. We hear from a series of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle on Senate Bill 68. Former Democratic operative, Falak Sabbak, talks about what’s in the measure and why tort reform matters to Georgians. But first, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy review what survived and passed after the dust settled on Crossover Day.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 our next listener mailbag segment.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.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over at the Georgia State Capitol, it’s Crossover Day. Host Greg Bluestein talks with Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns about the excitement surrounding the day and his priorities for the rest of the legislative session. But first, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell discuss the latest developments in the 2026 race for Georgia governor, after U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath made the first move toward a likely run.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 our next listener mailbag segment.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.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Politically Georgia host Tia Mitchell sits down for a conversation with Democratic Strategist Tré Easton about what’s next for Georgia Democrats. Easton - a recently retired Congressional staffer - never forgets his Georgia roots. His experience growing up with the Young Democrats of Georgia in Barnesville informs what he thinks Democrats on Capitol Hill should be doing for their constituents today. The duo also talk about the upcoming March 14 deadline for Congress to avoid a government shutdown. 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 our next listener mailbag segment.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.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Politically Georgia’s first episode since going back to a podcast only. Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell share what’s in store for Politically Georgia’s future and discuss the fast-approaching Crossover Day deadline for state legislators. Then, Greg Bluestein recaps his interview with Kelly Loeffler - one of her first interviews since being confirmed to lead the Small Business Administration. 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 our next listener mailbag segment.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.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our show started out as a podcast in 2018, and over the last year, we’ve produced our show live on the radio. During that time, we’ve heard from a lot of you, and we’ve learned a lot about what our listeners want. So starting this week, we’re taking Politically Georgia back to its roots.At Politically Georgia, making sense of Georgia politics is what we do, and analyzing how decisions in DC affect Georgians is our mission.For new episodes with in-depth reporting and analysis on all things politics, join us on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today marks Politically Georgia’s final broadcast on WABE, closing one chapter as we prepare for an exciting new future. On today’s episode, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell reflect on their favorite moments on-air, and AJC President and Publisher Andrew Morse shares the vision for what’s next. Then, we welcome Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, fresh off his State of the City address. As he nears the end of his first term, Dickens discusses the lessons he’s learned in office, his plans for a re-election bid, and how he’s working with the Trump administration after previously enjoying a close relationship with President Biden. And it’s Friday, which means we’re answering questions from the listener mailbag and sharing our picks for who’s up and who’s down in Georgia politics. 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 our next listener mailbag segment.  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.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Crossover Day just around the corner, Georgia lawmakers are entering a pivotal phase of the legislative session. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein sit down with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to discuss key bills moving through the state Senate—including Gov. Brian Kemp’s legal overhaul and Georgia’s own version of a DOGE bill. Plus, we’ll ask Jones about his political future and whether he’s eyeing a 2026 run for governor. Then, Chief Justice Michael Boggs’ unexpected decision to step down from the Georgia Supreme Court has reignited debate over the long-standing trend of justices resigning mid-term rather than allowing voters to choose their replacements. And in Washington, the Trump administration has issued a sweeping new directive that could lead to mass layoffs across federal agencies. We’ll break down the potential impact on Georgia’s workforce. 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.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s policies are already making waves in Georgia’s economy. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, lobbyist Howard Franklin of Ohio River South joins us to discuss how the Trump administration’s decisions are affecting key business sectors in the state. Then, House Republicans, with Trump’s backing, pushed through a budget blueprint late last night. We’ll examine how the plan—focused on border security—could lead to cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs in Georgia. And back in Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens delivered his annual State of the City address. AJC reporter Riley Bunch helps us break down Dickens’ priorities and what his remarks signal about a potential re-election bid. 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.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Georgia Democrats regroup after a tough election cycle, some leaders are taking a proactive approach to rebuilding the party. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with State Sen. Josh McLaurin and State Rep. Ruwa Romman to discuss their strategy for moving forward and what they believe is needed to strengthen Democratic influence in the state. Meanwhile, Governor Brian Kemp has successfully pushed his 'tort reform' measure through the state Senate, but now it faces a new battle in the House. We’ll break down whether the legal overhaul will survive the session and what it could mean for businesses and consumers in Georgia. Plus, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens prepares to deliver his final State of the City address of his first term. We’ll preview his key priorities and how they could shape his reelection bid.And a renewed effort to honor Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is underway. Georgia Republicans are pushing to erect a statue in his honor, but they’ve adjusted their original plan to place it on the capitol grounds. We’ll discuss the latest on this effort and the political debate surrounding it. 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.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President Donald Trump marks his first month back in the Oval Office, Georgia Republicans are solidifying their strategy for the future. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell sit down with Georgia GOP Chairman Josh McKoon to discuss Trump’s return, the state party’s vision and McKoon’s own plans for reelection. Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats are dealing with mounting calls for change after suffering significant losses in November. The debate has reached the top of the party, with some urging Chairwoman Nikema Williams to step down. Georgia Democratic Party Vice Chair Matt Wilson joins the show to weigh in on whether a leadership shakeup is necessary. Plus, Congressman Rich McCormick addresses the backlash from his recent town hall meeting that went viral. The Suwanee Republican explains in his own words what happened, why the event took a heated turn, and how he’s responding to his constituents. 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.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices