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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
The Democrats' Mount Rushmore* [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:22
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back with another fun one today and Part 2 of our "Mount Rushmore" mini-series. This time, our panel drafts their picks for who would appear on the Democrats' Mount Rushmor…
Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Michael Julian Bond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:23
In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we are honored to welcome Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond for an in-depth discussion about the history, legacy, and ongoing significance of Martin Luth…
2025 Legislative Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today's episode we're joined by two influential voices from under the Gold Dome: State Representative Scott Hilton and State Senator Shawn Still. Together, they give us an insi…
The GOP's Mount Rushmore* [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:52
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We have a fun one for you today. Our panel drafts their picks for who would appear on the GOP's Mount Rushmore, with one or two caveats. Who would grace a GOP Mount Rushmore (no P…
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, Passes Away at 100 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:20
In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we reflect on the extraordinary life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away today at the age of 100. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia,…
Hillary vs. Harris: Who Was the Worse Candidate? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:23
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today's episode, we have an engaging panel ready to tackle a fascinating question: Who was the weaker Democratic Party nominee for President—Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris? I…
Top 10 Political Stories of 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:20
In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we dive into the most impactful political stories shaping Georgia and the nation in 2024. From key updates on the state's legislative session and major election developmen…
In Memoriam: Bruce Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:20
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast. On today's episode, Sen. Shawn Still joins us to help us pay our respects to Bruce Thompson, Georgia's Labor Commissioner, who passed away on November 24th at the age of 59. Known…
The State of Feminism, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back with Part 2 of our panel conversation on the state of the feminism movement. Make sure to listen to Part 1 first if you missed it! We've gathered an exceptional panel…

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