The Georgia Politics Podcast

In this episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we sit down with Kelvin King, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Georgia Secretary of State. King discusses what led him to enter the race and how his background in business and the military informs his approach to public service. We dive into his views on election integrity and the role of the Secretary of State's office, along with his broader vision for strengthening trust in Georgia's electoral system. King also shares what sets him apart in the Republican primary and how he plans to connect with voters across the state. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about one of Georgia's most important statewide offices. Connect with Kelvin or learn more about his campaign HERE 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

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Case Norton, a Democratic candidate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District, for a wide-ranging conversation about his campaign, priorities, and vision for one of the state's most closely watched races. Norton discusses what motivated him to run, how his background has shaped his approach to public service, and why he believes this moment calls for new leadership. We dig into the issues driving voters—from affordability and economic opportunity to healthcare, education, and infrastructure—and hear how Norton plans to address them if elected. Whether you're closely following Georgia politics or just getting to know the candidates, this episode offers an in-depth look at Case Norton and his campaign for Congress. To connect with Case or find out more about his campaign, click HERE 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

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, the Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan's showdown for the Republican nomination in 1976 became one of the most consequential intraparty battles in modern political history. What began as a challenge from the right quickly evolved into a full-scale fight for the identity and direction of the GOP, pitting Ford's pragmatic, incumbent leadership against Reagan's insurgent conservative vision. We trace how Reagan transformed from a long-shot challenger into a serious threat, energizing grassroots activists and reshaping the party's ideological center. We also explore the broader stakes of the contest—how debates over government size, economic policy, and America's role in the world divided Republicans, and why this clash marked a turning point for modern conservatism. 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

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Larry Long, Democratic candidate for Georgia's 7th Congressional District, to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the future of the district. Long shares what motivated him to run for Congress, the issues he believes matter most to voters—from economic opportunity and healthcare to education and the environment—and how he plans to stand out in a competitive race. We also dive into the unique dynamics of District 7, what he's hearing on the campaign trail, and how he hopes to connect with a diverse and rapidly changing electorate. Connect with Larry and learn more about his campaign at electlarrylong.com 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

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we break down Georgia's 2026 candidate qualifying deadline and what it means for the upcoming election cycle. Eamon Keegan, President of New Prospect Strategies, joing the show to talk about who is in, who decided not to run, and the last-minute surprises that shaped the final slate of candidates across the state. The hosts discuss several of the most closely watched statewide and legislative races, examining how the candidate fields are shaping up and what early dynamics could define the primaries. They also talk about the strategic decisions candidates made during qualifying week, including late entries, potential primary battles, and how party leaders and political insiders reacted as the deadline approached. In addition, the episode looks at what these candidate lineups may signal about the broader political landscape in Georgia heading into November. From competitive primaries to districts that could become battlegrounds in the general election, the hosts outline the races to watch and the issues that may drive the campaign season. If you want a clear picture of where Georgia politics stands now that the qualifying deadline has passed, this episode offers a comprehensive breakdown of the candidates, the strategy, and the stakes for one of the most important election cycles in the state. 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

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this episode, we sit down with State Rep. Betsy Holland for an in-depth conversation about the experiences and values that shaped her path to public service. Rep. Holland shares stories from her upbringing and the influences that helped shape her worldview, as well as how her professional career prepared her for a role in the Georgia General Assembly. We talk about what first sparked her interest in politics and the challenges and lessons that came with campaigning and serving in the legislature. The conversation also dives into the issues she is most passionate about and the policy areas she is focused on during the current legislative session. From the priorities she's working to advance at the Capitol to the concerns she hears most often from constituents back home, Rep. Holland explains what drives her work under the Gold Dome and what she hopes to accomplish during her time in office. It's a wide-ranging discussion about leadership, public service, and the realities of serving in state government in Georgia. 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

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this episode, State Rep. Chuck Martin joins the podcast to break down what made it through the Georgia House of Representatives — and what didn't. We talk about the major bills that advanced, the surprises of the day, and what it all means for the remainder of the 2026 legislative session. Martin also shares behind-the-scenes insight into how lawmakers navigate the fast-paced final hours before the deadline, the priorities still on the table, and what voters should watch as the session heads toward the finish line. If you want a clear look at what actually happened on Crossover Day under the Georgia General Assembly's Gold Dome, this episode has you covered. 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

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

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