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
Sen. Cory Booker broke a Senate record with a 25-hour filibuster—and cited the late John Lewis as his inspiration. On today’s episode of Politically Georgia, host Tia Mitchell sits down with Michael Collins, former chief of staff to Lewis and now head of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, to reflect on Lewis’ enduring impact on Democrats in Washington. Then, Mitchell and co-host Patricia Murphy discuss the “Hands Off” rallies, including a massive protest outside the Georgia Capitol pus...
Apr 09, 2025•36 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the winners and losers from the final, chaotic hours of the 2025 legislative session. Then, State Sen. Brandon Beach joins us to talk about his new role as U.S. Treasurer, reflecting on his time under the Gold Dome and what’s next in Washington. 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....
Apr 08, 2025•34 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell dive into your questions from the listener mailbag. From early moves in Georgia’s 2026 races to the latest polling in the U.S. Senate contest, we break down what’s driving candidates to jump in now. Plus, what’s happening with the Fulton County election case, Georgia Supreme Court shakeups, CDC funding concerns—and even what’s behind that smoother highway ride. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotl...
Apr 07, 2025•31 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the whirlwind final hours of the 2025 legislative session. With dozens of bills still in play, lawmakers scramble to strike last-minute deals before the clock runs out on Sine Die. Plus, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff sheds his low-key image as he gears up for reelection with a sharper message from Washington. 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 que...
Apr 03, 2025•38 min
President Donald Trump has repeatedly called April 2 “Liberation Day,” with promises to roll out a set of tariffs, or taxes on imports from other countries. Hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy have the latest on the trade wars launched by President Donald Trump and dive into what they mean in Washington and for Georgians. 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 li...
Apr 02, 2025•34 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy discuss the shifting Democratic field for Georgia governor now that U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath has suspended her campaign following a family health crisis. Then, voting and election expert Mark Niesse explains the last-minute election bills that are looking for final passage before Sine Die. 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 ...
Apr 01, 2025•33 min
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy dive into mailbag questions, where a majority of listeners' questions concern Democrats under the Gold Dome, and at the U.S. Capitol. 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 als...
Mar 31, 2025•31 min
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan weighs in on top Trump administration officials sharing attack plans in a group chat that accidentally included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Then, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy have the latest on the political fallout from Gov. Brian Kemp’s legal overhaul and the fresh scrutiny of The New Georgia Project. 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 an...
Mar 27, 2025•36 min
Host Tia Mitchell talks with Fred Smith Jr., a professor at Emory University School of Law, about the tensions between the Trump administration and the courts. Then, Greg Bluestein updates us from the Gold Dome on a long-debated religious liberty measure. 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...
Mar 26, 2025•41 min
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell discuss where Georgia lawmakers stand after a vote on Gov. Kemp’s main priority this legislative session, a bill that rewrites litigation rules. Then, they hear from Ginny Lim who went viral for confronting U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick at a Roswell town hall in February. 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 segmen...
Mar 25, 2025•35 min
Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein analyze Senator Jon Ossoff’s kickoff to his reelection campaign with his rally in Atlanta over the weekend. Then, Patricia and Greg join colleague Tia Mitchell to answer your questions from the listener mailbag. 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 Ap...
Mar 24, 2025•35 min
Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein analyze the different approaches to town halls by Republicans and Democrats. Then, they discuss Governor Brian Kemp’s recent concessions on his legal overhaul, commonly referred to as ‘tort reform’, and the 2026 governor race hopefuls. 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 ou...
Mar 20, 2025•32 min
