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 U.S. Senate candidate to take on Jon Ossoff in 2026. Plus, how both parties are grappling with Geor...
May 29, 2025•38 min
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 turns to student loan repayment with policy expert Michele Zampini, who breaks down what new repayment r...
May 28, 2025•38 min
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 driving a wave of economic development. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24...
May 27, 2025•27 min
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, taxpayer funding for Donald Trump’s legal bills, and the fate of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” in Congres...
May 26, 2025•30 min
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 Bottoms officially enters the fray. Will her ties to former President Biden help or hurt her chances? ...
May 22, 2025•35 min
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 proposed cuts to food stamps could affect hundreds of thousands of Georgians. Have a question or comment...
May 21, 2025•33 min
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 Democrat” movement—and his warning about both parties leaning too far to the extremes. Have a questi...
May 20, 2025•36 min
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 the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play ...
May 19, 2025•33 min
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 for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play...
May 15, 2025•28 min
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 could impact Medicaid and PeachCare coverage for 2 million Georgians. Have a question or comment for...
May 14, 2025•30 min
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, pitching himself as a law-and-order conservative. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or tex...
May 13, 2025•27 min
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 Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Mond...
May 12, 2025•40 min
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 question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at...
May 09, 2025•31 min
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 journalism in 2025. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgi...
May 08, 2025•37 min
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 questions on tariffs, DOGE cuts, and the Middle East — and how his style stacks up against Ossoff and Ma...
May 07, 2025•35 min
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 Charlie Bailey, the newly elected chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Have a question or comment for...
May 06, 2025•36 min
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. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also em...
May 05, 2025•31 min
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 for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll pl...
May 01, 2025•36 min
Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, and Patricia Murphy unpack fresh AJC polling with UGA pollster Trey Hood. With 55% disapproving of Trump’s economic record and inflation topping voter concerns, the results paint a stark picture of how Georgians view the current and future economy. 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 question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email...
Apr 30, 2025•33 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down Senator Jon Ossoff’s recent town hall, including a tense exchange over Donald Trump and the contrasts with town halls held by Reps. McCormick and Greene. Plus, they introduce Everton Blair, a former Gwinnett school board chair now running to unseat U.S. Rep. David Scott. 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 question and answer it during our ne...
Apr 29, 2025•37 min
On today’s Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell dig into your Monday Mailbag questions. They cover crime statistics in Clarkston, the rise in student visa revocations linked to the Laken Riley Act, and confusion over Georgia’s new school cell phone policy. Plus, a a look at the final version of tort reform, and whether UGA will display the Confederate Constitution. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-8...
Apr 28, 2025•32 min
Atlanta City Council is back from spring recess and staring down a $20 million budget shortfall. On today’s Politically Georgia, host Patricia Murphy talks with AJC City Hall reporter Riley Bunch about what’s driving the deficit and what comes next. Then, AJC business reporter Emma Hurt joins the show to break down the politics behind Hartsfield-Jackson’s 100-year legacy—and Mayor Andre Dickens’ pointed message amid renewed tensions over control of the airport. Have a question or comment for the...
Apr 24, 2025•29 min
After President Trump’s executive orders dismantling DEI programs, major companies like Target began scaling back their diversity efforts—sparking backlash from longtime advocates. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy speak with Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, who is leading a boycott against Target following its rollback of DEI policies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 23, 2025•32 min
Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves is officially running for Georgia governor, setting the stage for a high-profile showdown in 2026. Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp notched a major legislative victory with the final approval of his long-sought legal overhaul. Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down both developments and talk with GOP strategist Stephen Lawson about what’s next for the governor. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast...
Apr 22, 2025•37 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell dig into your Monday Mailbag questions. From the fallout over the SAVE Act and voter ID confusion to Democratic candidates outside metro Atlanta and the future of ranked choice voting, listeners across the state sound off—and our hosts break it all down. 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 question and answer it during our next Monday Mai...
Apr 21, 2025•30 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy unpack the chaos at U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s town hall in Acworth, where demonstrators repeatedly disrupted the event in protest of her support for President Trump’s budget-cutting agenda. Plus, we hear from Atlanta-based CDC workers affected by President Trump’s sweeping plan to downsize federal agencies—and what those layoffs mean for Georgia. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline...
Apr 17, 2025•35 min
Student loan payments are back—and not without major complications. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell talks with AJC education reporter Jason Armesto about the rocky return to repayments and the potential fallout for Georgia borrowers and schools. Plus, she breaks down what’s in the next phase of President Trump’s sweeping budget bill, from border spending to deep federal cuts. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcas...
Apr 16, 2025•31 min
After a turbulent few months, Georgia Democrats are regrouping. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell speak with interim party chair Matthew Wilson about what’s next for the party after Nikema Williams’ resignation and a major candidate’s exit from the governor’s race. Then, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan joins to discuss his latest AJC column, “Now What,” and what both parties need to do to shift from rhetoric to results. Have a question or comment for ...
Apr 15, 2025•36 min
President Trump’s escalating tariff war has Georgia businesses bracing for impact. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, hosts Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell talk with Georgia Chamber of Commerce President Chris Clark about how companies are navigating the uncertainty. Plus, it’s Monday—so we dig into the listener mailbag and answer your questions. 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 qu...
Apr 14, 2025•33 min
Education took center stage as Georgia’s legislative session came to a close. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, host Patricia Murphy is joined by AJC education reporter Martha Dalton to break down two major bills parents need to know about: a school safety plan aimed at preventing violence and a ban on cellphones for K–8 students. Plus, Martha shares what she heard from Atlanta-based employees laid off after President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of E...
Apr 10, 2025•28 min
