Error 404: Government Not Found

Error 404: Government Not Found

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
1976, Part 1: Premiere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:46
After diving deep into the upheaval of 1975, The Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off a new miniseries on 1976 — a year when Georgia politics collided with national ambition, cultural change and a little bit of chaos. In E…
Replay: Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Michael Julian Bond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we are re-running out interview with Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond discussing the history, legacy, and ongoing significance of Martin Luther King Jr.…
Surprise! It's Still Campaign Season. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:11
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are back in full swing as the 2026 legislative session kicks off under the Gold Dome. On this episode, we break down opening day at the Capitol — from the swearing-in of lawmak…
2026 Legislative Preview with Rep. Scott Hilton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
Season 7 of the Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off with a comprehensive preview of the upcoming legislative session at the Georgia Capitol. State Rep. Scott Hilton joins the show for an in-depth conversation about what l…
The Career of Senator Wyche Fowler, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:02
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! R. William Johnstone joins the who for an in-depth conversation about his new book examining the life and legacy of former U.S. Sen. Wyche Fowler, one of the most consequential —…
2025: Year in Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:03
Welcome to the final episode of 2025 for The Georgia Politics Podcast! The panel takes a fast-paced, end-of-year look back at the moments that defined Georgia and national politics — McLaughlin Group–style. From election…
1975, Part 16: Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:52
It's 1975 again - one last time - as Craig and Professor Stone conclude their special mini-series revisiting the notable events of 1975, 50 years later. After spending almost a year unpacking the moments that mattered, t…
Rob Reiner Remembered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:02
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we honor the life, art, and impact of Rob Reiner - the filmmaker whose work helped define modern American cinema. We reflect on Rob's journey from sitcom star to vision…
Bush v. Gore 25 Years Later [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:05
Twenty-five years after Bush v. Gore reshaped American politics, The Georgia Politics Podcast welcomes three guests who witnessed the chaos firsthand. Former Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, political strategist…
Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:23
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we dive into three seismic political shakeups reshaping Georgia and the national landscape. First, we unpack Marjorie Taylor Greene's stunning announcement that she'll…