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Author: Appen Podcast Network October 3, 2025 Duration: 59:50

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we tackle one of the biggest stories in Washington with direct consequences here at home: the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

The immediate effects are already rippling through Georgia, where tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors face furloughs or delayed paychecks. Military bases could see disruptions, research grants to major universities like Georgia Tech and Emory may be delayed, and federal parks and historic sites are expected to close. While Social Security checks will still go out, programs like SNAP could be strained if the shutdown drags on.

Closer to home, we break down the results of the Georgia State Senate District 21 special runoff, where Republican Jason Dickerson defeated Democrat Debra Shigley 9,432 to 7,009. Shigley had led the crowded August primary, but Dickerson's win ensures the GOP maintains its 33–23 majority in the state Senate.

We also look ahead to the 2026 election cycle. State Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Democrat from Gwinnett County, has announced her run for governor. At just 32, Romman has already made history as the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia legislature and the first Palestinian American to hold public office in the state. Her campaign is expected to focus on raising the minimum wage, reopening closed hospitals, and addressing corporate ownership of single-family homes.

Meanwhile, Republican State Sen. Greg Dolezal is entering the lieutenant governor's race. A close ally of former President Donald Trump, Dolezal is emphasizing conservative priorities such as eliminating DEI programs, opposing transgender policies in schools, and taking a tough-on-crime approach. He's also known for challenging the results of Georgia's 2020 election and sponsoring legislation restricting transgender athletes.

It's a busy week in Georgia politics, from the fallout of a national crisis to the early maneuvering for 2026. We break it all down.

Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod

Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen

Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1

Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol


Since its start in 2019, The Georgia Politics Podcast has served as a steady guide to the political landscape of the Peach State. This isn't just a surface-level recap; it's a focused dive into the mechanics and personalities shaping policy where it happens. You'll hear detailed analysis of the latest from under the Gold Dome, breaking down complex legislation and the political maneuvers driving the news. The conversations go beyond the capitol steps, however, connecting statehouse decisions to their real-world impact on communities from the mountains to the coast. Produced by the Appen Podcast Network, each episode prioritizes clarity and context, whether the legislature is in session or not. Tuning in means getting a clearer picture of how Georgia's House and Senate operate, the key figures involved, and why their actions matter. For anyone curious about the forces directing one of the country's most politically dynamic states, this podcast provides an essential, grounded perspective. It’s designed for engaged citizens who prefer substance over soundbites, offering a reliable narrative of how Georgia's government functions, fights, and finds its way forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Georgia Politics Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Candidate Profile: Sen. John Kennedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:38
Georgia State Senator John Kennedy joins the podcast for a conversation about his campaign for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor. Kennedy discusses why he's running, his vision for Georgia, the issues sha…
Candidate Profile: Gabriel Sterling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we sit down with Gabriel Sterling, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State. Sterling reflects on his career in public service, from his work in el…
Sine Die 2026 with Rep. Scott Hilton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:50
In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we sit down with State Representative Scott Hilton for a comprehensive Sine Die recap of Georgia's 2026 legislative session. Rep. Hilton walks us through the biggest wins,…
1976, Part 6: All the President's Men 50 Years Later [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:48
Celebrate five decades of one of the most influential political films ever made in this special anniversary episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast. We revisit All the President's Men on its 50th anniversary, exploring h…
Candidate Profile: Adam Cleveland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:22
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 profess…
Candidate Profile: Kelvin King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:26
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 backgroun…
Candidate Profile: Case Norton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:33
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…
1976, Part 5: Ford vs. Reagan and the battle for the Republican Party [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:25
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 his…
Candidate Profile: Larry Long [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:52
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…
Georgia Qualifying Week Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:13
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…