All articles tagged with #georgia politics
Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 369 to convert most local races in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties to nonpartisan contests starting in 2028. The move could complicate re-election bids for Democratic prosecutors like Fulton County DA Fani Willis and is expected to trigger legal challenges, as opponents label it racist, unconstitutional, and aimed at curbing power in Georgia’s largest Democratic-leaning region.
Georgia’s multibillion-dollar AI data-center expansion, buoyed by tax breaks and a stable power grid, is triggering bipartisan backlash as voters worry about rising electricity bills, water use, and local input on siting; the issue is shaping a pivotal governor’s race and Ossoff’s Senate bid, with Republicans emphasizing local control and incentives while Democrats push pauses or reforms, a dynamic highlighted by a Forsyth-area special election and mirrored by national debates over data-center incentives.
U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Democratic longtime Georgia lawmaker who represented the 13th District, has died at age 80. The office described his passing as unexpected and said more details would be released; Scott had served about 50 years in public service and chaired the House Agriculture Committee early in Biden's term, later serving as ranking member after Republicans gained control in 2023. Tributes poured in from state leaders as he sought a 13th term in the May 19 primary.
Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, known for his opposition to Trump’s claims after the 2020 election, has switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party and is running for Georgia governor in 2024, joining a competitive Democratic field while Republicans prepare their own primary.
Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan switched from Republican to Democrat, criticizing the GOP's policies and Trump’s influence, and was publicly denounced by Trump on social media. Duncan's move reflects a broader trend of party realignment in the U.S., with Democrats gaining ground in party affiliation.
Derek Dooley, a former Tennessee football coach and son of Georgia legend Vince Dooley, is entering the Georgia Senate race as a political outsider, emphasizing his football background and Georgia roots, and positioning himself as a contrast to other Republican candidates who heavily support Trump. The race is part of a broader effort by Republicans to reclaim a Senate seat previously held by Democrats, with the primary field still evolving after Georgia's governor decided not to run.
Former college football coach Derek Dooley has entered the Georgia Senate race, with potential support from President Trump and Governor Brian Kemp, amidst a crowded and contentious Republican primary, despite limited political connections and some criticism.
The return of the All-Star Game to Atlanta has largely gone uncriticized by top Georgia Democrats, despite their previous opposition to the 2021 election law that led to its earlier boycott, highlighting a shift in political stance or priorities. Meanwhile, Georgia voters are choosing a Democratic nominee for the Public Service Commission amid concerns about undervotes and candidate disqualifications, and other political developments include education funding debates and election procedure reviews.
The SEC has accused Georgia Republican Edwin Frost of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 300 investors of $140 million, misusing funds for personal expenses and political donations, and operating since 2021 with false promises of high returns. Frost has taken responsibility and pledged to repay investors, while the scheme has been shut down and assets frozen.
The SEC has accused Georgia-based lender First Liberty Building & Loan, linked to conservative politics, of operating a $140 million Ponzi scheme, misappropriating investor funds for personal expenses and political donations, and defaulting on most loans, leading to its shutdown and ongoing legal proceedings.
The recent U.S. Senate vote on military assistance to Israel, opposed by Senator Jon Ossoff, highlights the political challenges he faces as Georgia's first Jewish senator amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ossoff's stance, which aligns with a more cautious approach to arms sales, has drawn criticism from both Republicans and pro-Israel groups, potentially impacting his 2026 reelection campaign. This situation underscores the broader political dynamics in Georgia, where Republicans are poised to scrutinize Ossoff's every move in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former U.S. Representative Doug Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Collins, a close ally of Trump and a former Air Force chaplain, is known for his staunch defense of Trump during impeachment hearings and his conservative record in Congress. If confirmed, Collins will oversee an agency responsible for the care of 8.3 million veterans. His nomination is seen as noncontroversial, with supporters highlighting his military background and commitment to veterans' issues.