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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 4: The Founding of Microsoft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:23
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast and Part 4 of our series on the 50th anniversary of 1975. On today's episode we are headed to New Mexico where two young programmers announce their upstart new company – Microsoft.…
Are County Parties Still Relevant? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:06
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode representatives from Henry, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties join the show to explore whether local party structures still hold influence in shaping elections,…
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Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this special Women's History Month edition, our all-women panel takes the mic to celebrate the trailblazing women who have shaped politics—both in Georgia and beyond. Each pane…
1975, Part 3: The Rocky Horror Picture Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:19
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In Part 3 of our series on the 50th anniversary of 1975, the spotlight turns to the cult classic phenomenon: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Hosts dive into the film's enduring leg…
Crossover Day 2025 with Rep. Chuck Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! State House Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) joins the discussion to provide an insider's perspective on Crossover Day 2025, a pivotal moment in Georgia's legislative se…
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Duration: 52:03
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with journalist Amritha Joseph to discuss her recent article for Appen Media covering the fiery town hall with U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick in Roswell, Ge…
1975, Part 2: The Political Rise of Margaret Thatcher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:16
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode we dive into our 1975 series and turn our focus across the pond to the political rise of Margaret Thatcher. Before she became Britain's first female Prime Minister…
Breaking Away, Part 1: The Legislative Battle for Sandy Springs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Today, we kick off Part 1 of our new mini-series, Breaking Away, exploring the municipalization of Sandy Springs. Joining us to discuss the legislative efforts behind the city's i…
Wendy Davis and Matthew Wilson Discuss New Democratic Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:56
In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we are joined by Georgia's own Wendy Davis and Matthew Wilson to discuss new leadership for the Democratic National Committee. Together, we dive into the newly elected off…
Series Premiere: The People and Moments that Defined 1975 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:47
In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we kick off Part 1 of our series exploring the remarkable events of 1975. Craig is joined by Professor Stone in the time machine taking a journey back to 1975 — a…