Surprise! It's Still Campaign Season.

Surprise! It's Still Campaign Season.

Author: Appen Podcast Network January 16, 2026 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 lawmakers to early priorities and the return of lobbyists, advocates and citizen activists.

We also head to Savannah, where seven Democratic candidates for governor shared the stage to talk health care, affordability, housing and infrastructure — and we unpack what Stacey Abrams' decision not to run in 2026 means for the race ahead.

Plus, Rep. Mike Collins faces renewed scrutiny after a congressional watchdog alleges misuse of resources, prompting calls for subpoenas that Collins says are politically motivated.

And closer to home, we look at a major shakeup in the Fulton County Commission, where multiple seats — including the chair's — are set for competitive races in 2026.

It's a jam packed episode today! Thanks for tuning in.

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: Dr. Fred "Bubba" Longgrear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:29
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fred "Bubba" Longgrear, superintendent of Candler County Schools and candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent, as he campaigns in th…
The Politics of Pride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:29
Pride Month is more than a celebration — it's a recognition of the advocacy, community, visibility, and fight for equal rights. In this special episode of the Georgia Politics Podcast, host Lyndsey Coates sits down with…
1976, Part 9: Billy Joel's New York Homecoming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:33
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1976 again, and in this episode we celebrate 40 years of Turnstiles, the album that marked a turning point in the career of Billy Joel. Released at a pivotal moment in Joel's…
The Life and Service of Rep. David Scott with Sec. Tom Price [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:38
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this episode, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Congressman Tom Price reflects on the life, career, and lasting legacy of longtime Georgia Congressm…
1976, Part 8: Paul Harvey and The Rest of the Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:45
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! For this episode of our 1976 series, we step back into the golden age of radio with legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey. At a time when Americans gathered around their radios for ne…
Tackling Gun Violence in Georgia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:34
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! Rep. Michelle Au and Georgia Majority for Gun Safety Founder and Director Heather Hallett join to discuss the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Georgia and across the country.…
Upcoming Redistricting Fight and Primary Election Predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:49
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the growing battles over gerrymandering across the South as Republican-led states push new redistricting efforts that could reshape political power a…
Candidate Profile: Sen. Brian Strickland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:56
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Brian Strickland to discuss his campaign for the Republican nomination for Georgia Attorney General. Senator Strickland shares his background in…
Candidate Profile: Tony Kozycki [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:01
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Tony Kozycki as he discusses his campaign for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's 7th Congressional District. Kozycki shares his background, t…
Candidate Profile: Sen. Steve Gooch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:46
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Steve Gooch to discuss his campaign for the Republican nomination for Georgia lieutenant governor. Senator Gooch shares his vision for the state'…