Immigration, Elections, and the GOP’s Senate Strategy
Hosts Patricia Murphy and Greg sit down with state Rep. Kasey Carpenter to discuss why he’s voicing concerns about how immigration laws are being enforced—and the Dalton community’s response to a local student’s deportation. Then, Republican strategist Stephen Lawson joins to dissect the newfound alliance forming between Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp and what it means for the GOP’s search for a U.S. Senate candidate to take on Jon Ossoff in 2026. Plus, how both parties are grappling with Georgia’s changing electorate and high-stakes messaging battles ahead of the next election.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
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37:49
Cuts, Costs, and College Debt
On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy unpack what’s inside President Donald Trump’s sweeping reconciliation bill as it heads to the Senate—and what could derail it. Reporter Michael Jones joins the show to explain the sharp divisions among Senate Republicans over spending cuts, Medicaid changes, and deficit concerns. Then, the show turns to student loan repayment with policy expert Michele Zampini, who breaks down what new repayment rules, agency cuts, and proposed overhauls could mean for Georgia’s 1.7 million borrowers.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
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37:41
Georgia’s Ground Game
Hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell hit the road for updates from across the state. In Savannah, AJC coastal reporter Adam Van Brimmer breaks down the quiet GOP scramble to replace Rep. Buddy Carter and the early ripple effects of new tariffs at Georgia’s ports. Then in Athens, bureau chief Fletcher Page shares how the city is still grappling with the aftermath of Laken Riley’s death and what’s driving a wave of economic development.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
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26:59
Ballots, Bills, and Bottoms
On this Memorial Day edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer your questions from the listener mailbag, starting with a deeply personal and politically charged story about Georgia’s abortion law and its real-world impact. Then, they respond to a listener’s idea to draft 2026 Senate contenders, and dig into your questions on Keisha Lance Bottoms’ candidacy, taxpayer funding for Donald Trump’s legal bills, and the fate of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” in Congress.
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
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29:52
King’s Bid to Unseat Ossoff
On today’s Politically Georgia, Insurance Commissioner John King joins Greg Bluestein to talk about his run for U.S. Senate. King shares his pitch to Georgia voters, weighs in on immigration, and discusses what it would mean to earn endorsements from both Governor Brian Kemp and former President Donald Trump. Plus, Greg and Patricia Murphy turn to the wide-open race for governor as Keisha Lance Bottoms officially enters the fray. Will her ties to former President Biden help or hurt her chances?
Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.
Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”
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Get real, fact-based news on the new Politically Georgia podcast from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The podcast is hosted by Georgia’s best political team with Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell from Washington. Our journalists provide in-depth reporting and analysis from the nation’s political battleground state.
Call in with your questions on the Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at (770)-810-5297, and our hosts will answer them on future episodes. Learn more on the AJC Politically Georgia Podcast page.
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