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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
1975, Part 15: Thanksgiving Cornucopia! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1975 again, and we're back with our cornucopia episode for Part 15 of our mini-series, exploring five pivotal events from this turbulent year. We begin with the haunting stor…
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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we celebrate a landmark moment in television history — the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. On October 11, 1975, the show that would redefine live comedy premie…
1975, Part 12: Women Admitted to West Point [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:25
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1975 again, and in this episode we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Public Law 94-106, the landmark legislation signed by President Gerald Ford that allowed women to enter…
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Duration: 1:05:27
The Georgia Politics Podcast continues its 2025 Candidate Profile series with Andy Bauman, a three term Sandy Springs City Council member now running for mayor. In this in-depth conversation, Bauman shares his perspectiv…
Candidate Profile: Kurt Wilson, Roswell Mayor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:05
The Georgia Politics Podcast continues its Candidate Profile series with a conversation featuring Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, who is running for re-election. In this in-depth discussion, Mayor Wilson reflects on his first…
Candidate Profile: Sam Foster, Marietta Mayor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we continue our candidate profile series with Sam Foster, candidate for mayor of Marietta. With Election Day approaching, voters are learning more about the choic…