The Georgia Politics Podcast

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we dive into three seismic political shakeups reshaping Georgia and the national landscape.

First, we unpack Marjorie Taylor Greene's stunning announcement that she'll resign from Congress on January 5, 2026. We explore what her departure means for GOP power dynamics, who might emerge to fill the vacancy, and how her public break with Donald Trump could reverberate through the MAGA movement — as well as what she might be positioning herself for next.

Then, we break down the December 2 municipal election results: Mary Robichaux unseats Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson in a closely watched runoff, while in Sandy Springs, Rusty Paul coasts to a fourth term. We look at what these outcomes signal for suburban political trends across the region, including that unexpected Tennessee special angle.

Finally, we examine the dismissal of the Fulton County racketeering case against Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants. With special prosecutor Pete Skandalakis concluding the evidence couldn't support a RICO conviction — and suggesting federal authorities may be better suited to pursue any remaining issues — Georgia's last active 2020-election case comes to an abrupt end. We dig into what this means for accountability, taxpayer exposure under Georgia's new legal-fee law, whether the case could ever be revived, and how this decision may influence public trust in election and judicial systems nationwide.

A packed episode, full of context, clarity, and big questions that linger long after the headlines fade. Tune in.

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1975 again, and we're back with our cornucopia episode for Part 15 of our mini-series, exploring five pivotal events from this turbulent year.

We begin with the haunting story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the massive Great Lakes freighter that vanished beneath the waves of Lake Superior, sparking investigations, folklore, and one of the most enduring maritime mysteries in American history.

From there, we turn to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Justice William O. Douglas, the longest-serving justice in history, stepped down after more than three decades on the bench. His retirement closed a chapter of sweeping judicial influence and opened the door to a new era in constitutional law.

Across the Atlantic, Spain faced a turning point of its own with the death of Francisco Franco, the dictator who ruled for nearly 40 years. His passing set in motion the country's transition toward democracy—an uncertain and delicate transformation that reshaped Europe.

We also revisit the political drama of the "Halloween Massacre," the sweeping reshuffle within the Ford administration that altered the trajectory of the presidency, reshaped national security leadership, and left Washington insiders stunned.

Finally, we lighten things up with a cultural milestone: the launch of Good Morning America, a morning show experiment that grew into a broadcast institution, influencing the rhythms of American mornings for decades.

Join us as we explore the stories behind these events, the people at the center of them, and the broader forces that made 1975 a year worth revisiting.

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On this episode, Sandy Springs mayoral candidate Dontaye Carter joins host Craig Kidd for a frank and wide-ranging conversation prompted by several pointed remarks Craig made in a previous episode.

Together, they revisit those comments, and dig into the perspectives that sparked the discussion in the first place.

The candidate offers deeper context on his platform, responds directly to Craig's critiques, and sheds light on how he plans to lead the city through its next chapter.

It's an open, substantive, and at times candid dialogue that gives listeners a clearer understanding of both the candidate's vision and the dynamic conversations happening behind the scenes in local politics. If you care about where Sandy Springs is headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Here are links to both clips discussed in the episode:

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! It's 1975 again, and in this episode we had the honor of interviewing former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Carla Hills.

Hills is a pioneering figure whose career helped reshape expectations for women in public life. Hills takes listeners back to 1975, the year she made history when President Gerald Ford appointed her to his cabinet — making her one of the first women to ever hold such a high-ranking federal position.

Across the episode, Hills reflects on the winding path that led her from a young attorney breaking into a male-dominated field to a national leader navigating some of the most complex housing and urban policy challenges of the decade. She opens up about the pressures of stepping into the spotlight during a transformative political era, the skepticism she faced early on, and the mentors and allies who helped her stay the course.

With warmth, clarity, and a remarkable memory for the moments that shaped her career, Secretary Hills offers an illuminating look at leadership, perseverance, and the evolution of women's roles in American politics. Whether you're a history buff, a policy enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind groundbreaking public figures, this episode delivers insight and inspiration in equal measure.

Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! On today's episode, we unpack a whirlwind election week across Georgia and the nation — one that delivered sweeping Democratic victories and set the stage for next year's midterms.

Craig, Lyndsey, and Daelen first break down the stunning Democratic victories in Georgia's Public Service Commission races — the first non-federal statewide wins for the party in over two decades — and what they could mean heading into the 2026 midterms.

From there, the team goes national, unpacking major results across the country: Zohran Mamdani's historic win as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, Abigail Spanberger's election as Virginia's first female governor, and Mikie Sherrill's decisive win in New Jersey.

Then it's back home for local election highlights: Roswell and Sandy Springs heading to runoffs, Johns Creek's John Bradberry securing another term, and Marietta's razor-thin finish where Steve "Thunder" Tumlin edged out 24-year-old challenger Sam Foster by just 87 votes.

Plus, as always, a round of "Underhyped/Overhyped," and a "Play Along at Home" segment.