The Georgia Politics Podcast

Appen Podcast Network
  • 4.8 (29)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Georgia Politics Podcast, established in 2019, covers all things politics under the Gold Dome and across the state. The show highlights key developments from Georgia's House of Representatives and State Senate during the legislative session.

  1. 1D AGO

    Another Calm Week in Georgia Politics Just Kidding

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We're breaking down a busy week in politics at both the national and state level. We start with a look at the 2026 State of the Union, where President Donald Trump delivered the longest address in U.S. history and laid out his agenda on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy amid sharp partisan divisions. Then we turn to Georgia politics, discussing new polling in the races for governor and lieutenant governor, as well as the ripple effects of several recent retirements in the Georgia House. We also examine the shifting Democratic field after Rep. Ruwa Romman dropped out of the governor's race and what it means for the party's strategy heading into 2026. Plus, we talk about the Georgia House's passage of a tax cut package that Republicans championed but Democrats opposed, and what it could mean for the state budget. Finally, we zoom out to the global stage to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and how it's shaping U.S. politics and foreign policy. 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

    1h 9m

  2. FEB 26

    Inside Data Center Legislation with Rep. Brad Thomas

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, Rep. Brad Thomas discusses his legislation aimed at regulating data center development across the state. We explore how rapid growth in data infrastructure is shaping economic development, energy demand, and local zoning debates in Georgia. Thomas explains the policy goals behind the bill, including balancing technology investment with community impact, while critics and supporters weigh in on how the proposal could affect future tech expansion in the state. The conversation also touches on Georgia's role as a national hub for data storage and cloud computing, and what tighter regulation could mean for jobs, power consumption, and long-term economic planning. Connect with Rep. Thomas on Twitter @BradforHD21 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

    47 min

  3. FEB 20

    1976, Part 4: Building a President Jimmy Carter, Part 1

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week on The Georgia Politics Podcast, we trace the remarkable rise of Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter from the Gold Dome to the White House. How did a little-known, one-term governor from Plains transform himself into a viable presidential contender in the wake of Watergate? We examine Carter's outsider message, his emphasis on honesty and reform, and the disciplined, state-by-state strategy that stunned the political establishment in 1976. We break down Carter's appeal to Southern and evangelical voters, and the broader national mood that made his campaign possible.  From rural Georgia to Washington, this episode looks at the political skill, timing and strategy behind one of the most improbable presidential ascents in modern American history. 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

    1h 1m

  4. FEB 19

    Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We are taking a deep dive into the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — and the lasting political impact he leaves behind. From his early days working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, Jackson reshaped the modern Democratic coalition and expanded the national political conversation. The team explores how his Rainbow Coalition strategy changed the way candidates build multiracial, cross-class alliances — and how his campaigns paved the way for future leaders, including Barack Obama. Was Jackson ahead of his time? How did his presidential bids alter the trajectory of the Democratic Party? And what lessons do today's political movements — on both the left and right — still draw from his organizing model? It's a candid discussion about ambition, activism, controversy and the enduring political architecture of one of America's most consequential public figures. 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

    38 min

  5. FEB 13

    Surprise Entry Jolts the Georgia Governor Race

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we dive into the seismic shake-up underway in the race for Georgia governor. Billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson has thrown his hat into the GOP primary, stunning political observers with a well-funded outsider bid that's rattling the established field of candidates. We break down what Jackson's entry means for the dynamics of the contest — from his policy pledges to his promise to invest tens of millions of dollars into the campaign and how that's already altering the narrative. We'll also unpack the most recent financial disclosure reports that reveal the cash on hand across the top contenders and how internal money battles are shaping the fight for nomination for both parties. Meanwhile, we examine the latest Republican National Committee activity, including RNC letters that could influence their support strategy for incumbent Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, and what that might mean for his standing as a perceived establishment favorite. Finally, we look at the competing tax cut plans in the Georgia Legislature — from sweeping proposals to slash or even eliminate personal income taxes to contrasting visions for property tax relief — and how these fiscal debates are becoming central issues in the governor's race. Join us for a comprehensive look at how an unexpected candidate, campaign finances, national party influence, and major policy battles are reshaping one of the most consequential gubernatorial contests in recent Georgia history. 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

    1h 4m

  6. FEB 11

    1976, Part 3: The Olympics Colorado Rejected

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1976 again, and in this episode, we take a deep dive into the unusual story behind the 1976 Winter Olympics — the Games that were awarded to Denver, Colorado, and then dramatically given up after voters said no. We explore how Denver won the bid in 1970, only to see rising environmental concerns, ballooning costs, and taxpayer resistance spark a statewide political backlash. A voter referendum ultimately rejected public funding, marking one of the rare times an Olympic host city walked away after being selected. We also examine how Innsbruck, Austria — host of the 1964 Winter Games — stepped in on short notice, how Cold War politics shaped the competition and medal counts, and how the 1976 Games fit into a decade when sports and geopolitics were increasingly intertwined. From ballot boxes to bobsled runs, this episode tells the story of the Winter Olympics that became a political turning point — before the torch was ever lit. 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

    1h 1m

  7. FEB 6

    1976, Part 2: Buckley v. Valeo

    Part two of The Georgia Politics Podcast's special mini-series on the pivotal year of 1976 turns to one of the most influential — and still debated — Supreme Court decisions in American political history: Buckley v. Valeo. In this episode, we unpack how a post-Watergate push for campaign finance reform led to a constitutional showdown over the role of money in politics, and how the Court's ruling permanently reshaped the rules governing campaigns, candidates, and political advocacy. We walk through the origins of the case, beginning with Congress' sweeping reforms to the Federal Election Campaign Act, designed to curb corruption and restore public trust after Watergate. From there, we explain the legal challenge that followed, the arguments presented to the Court, and the reasoning behind the justices' complex, split decision. The episode breaks down the key distinctions the Court drew between contribution limits and expenditure limits, why one was upheld while the other was struck down, and how the ruling established the enduring doctrine that political spending is protected speech under the First Amendment. The discussion also connects the decision's immediate effects in the 1976 election cycle to its long tail in modern politics — from PACs and independent expenditures to later cases that built on Buckley's framework. Along the way, we highlight how these legal principles continue to influence campaign strategy, fundraising, and political messaging at both the national and Georgia state level. Whether you're a political history buff, a campaign law follower, or simply curious about how today's election finance system took shape, this episode provides clear context, practical explanations, and thoughtful analysis of a ruling that still defines the boundaries of money and political speech nearly 50 years later. 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

    1h 1m

  8. FEB 1

    Democratic Strategy for Georgia's 2026 Session

    In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we're joined by Alex Vanden Heuvel, Chief of Staff for State Senator Nikki Merritt, for an inside look at how Georgia Democrats are preparing for the 2026 legislative session. From policy priorities to political strategy, we explore what Democrats hope to advance — and where they expect the toughest fights at the Capitol. We discuss the party's approach to the state budget, tax and economic issues, and how shifting political dynamics could shape debate under the Gold Dome. If you want a ground-level view of Democratic goals, challenges, and opportunities in the 2026 session, this episode offers a detailed preview of what's ahead in Georgia politics. 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

    46 min
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4.8
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The Georgia Politics Podcast, established in 2019, covers all things politics under the Gold Dome and across the state. The show highlights key developments from Georgia's House of Representatives and State Senate during the legislative session.

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