Jeff Amy, Author at The Rapid City Post

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan speaks to a group, Jan. 21, 2026, in Marietta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Geoff Duncan broke with Trump. The former Republican wants Democrats to make him Georgia’s governor

February 2, 2026

Georgia’s Geoff Duncan was once a conservative Republican. After recoiling from Donald Trump, he became a Democrat. Duncan is now one of seven members of his new party running for governor. Duncan says he can build a coalition that includes Democrats, independents and Republicans, making him the most electable. Georgia Democrats have lost six straight elections for governor. But other Democrats say they have doubts about the recent convert as their standard-bearer. Duncan might be able to lure crossover voters into Georgia’s open primary. But he may have trouble winning Black voters with other strong Black candidates in the field. Duncan is one of several notable never-Trump Republicans running as Democrats this year.

FILE - A "For Sale" sign is displayed outside a home, Feb. 1, 2024, in Aceworth, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

In some states, a push to end all property taxes for homeowners

January 28, 2026

Anti-tax advocates are pushing to eliminate property taxes for homeowners. Rising property values have increased tax bills, but ending these taxes could cost states billions. North Dakota is using oil money to phase out taxes. On Wednesday, Georgia Republicans proposed eliminating homeowner property taxes by 2032. Florida and Texas are considering similar moves. Critics worry about funding for schools and local services. These efforts echo past tax revolts, like California’s Proposition 13. The challenge is finding replacement revenue without harming essential services. The Georgia plan would force schools and governments to rely more on sales taxes. Its path to passage is long.

Gov. Brian Kemp speaks during the State of the State, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Brian Kemp survived Trump’s anger. Now he wants to shape Georgia’s future

January 15, 2026

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is trying to project political influence even as his term nears its end. The Republican’s final State of the State speech Thursday was most likely not a farewell. After defying President Donald Trump and thriving, Kemp is supporting candidates aligned with his small government, low-tax agenda. He’s pushing further income tax cuts and rebates in his final session, while promising bonuses to teachers and state employees. Kemp is backing Derek Dooley in a Republican U.S. Senate primary, seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. Kemp’s own future remains uncertain. Democrats hope to gain ground without him at the helm.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., departs a briefing on military strikes near Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

22 candidates enter Georgia race to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress

January 14, 2026

A district attorney, a state senator and a trash-hauling entrepreneur are among the 22 candidates bidding to succeed former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in a Georgia congressional seat. A total of 17 Republicans filed to run for the seat by the time qualifying closed Wednesday, as did three Democrats, a Libertarian and an independent. Candidates will run on the same all-party ballot on March 10. If no one wins a majority, the top two finishers will go to a runoff four weeks later on April 7. Greene resigned from Congress earlier this month following a tumultuous five years.

FILE - Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at a rally kicking off his 2026 campaign for governor, Aug. 26, 2025, in Flovilla, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)

Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns

January 7, 2026

Georgia is the latest state to consider eliminating its personal income tax, with Republican leaders in the Senate backing a proposal to phase it out by 2032. This move is part of a broader trend among Republican-led states like Iowa and Kentucky. Georgia’s plan proposes exempting the first $50,000 of income for a single person or $100,000 for a married couple in 2027. Supporters argue it will boost the economy by attracting new residents and businesses. Critics including Democrats warn it could lead to cuts in essential services like education and health care. The plan faces uncertainty, as some Georgia Republicans prefer a more gradual approach.

FILE - Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Anonymous money fuels $5 million in attacks on Georgia’s Lt. Gov. Burt Jones

December 26, 2025

A mysterious group called Georgians for Integrity has spent around $5 million on television ads, mailers and texts attacking Lt. Gov. Burt Jones since November. Jones is one of three top Republicans in the 2026 governor’s race to succeed outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp. The attacks claim Jones is using his office to enrich himself. Jones calls the ads “fabricated trash” and his campaign has threatened to sue television stations if they keep airing it. No one has proved who is providing the money. Jones’ top Republican rivals deny involvement. The state Republican Party alleges the spending violates Georgia campaign finance law and has asked authorities to investigate.

Georgia Senate set to question Fani Willis over Trump prosecution

December 16, 2025

Fani Willis is set to face questions Wednesday from a Georgia state Senate committee about her prosecution of Donald Trump. The Republican-led committee was created to investigate allegations of misconduct against Willis, the Democratic district attorney in greater Atlanta’s Fulton County. She won indictments against Trump and others for efforts to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in Georgia. The committee has focused on Willis’ hiring of special prosecutor Nathan Wade, alleging a conflict of interest due to a romantic relationship. Willis was removed and the case was later dismissed. Democrats criticize the panel as politically motivated. Willis may be guarded in her responses, as Trump has called her a “criminal.”

Judge orders Georgia to continue hormone therapy for transgender inmates

December 9, 2025

A federal judge has ordered Georgia’s prison system to provide hormone therapy for transgender inmates. U.S. District Judge Victoria Marie Calvert says that a state law denying such care violates the constitutional protection against cruel and unusual punishment. She is ordering the state to maintain hormone therapy for inmates already receiving it and to start treatment for those diagnosed as needing it. The state plans to appeal. The case challenges a Georgia law passed earlier this year banning state funding for certain gender-affirming treatments. Supporters say the state shouldn’t have to pay. Georgia began providing hormone therapy in 2016 after a previous lawsuit.

FILE - Fani Willis, district attorney of Fulton County, speaks during an interview, Oct. 22, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Fani Willis to face Georgia Senate questions about Trump prosecution, despite legal disputes

December 9, 2025

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is set to testify on Dec. 17 before a special Georgia Senate committee. The committee is examining her prosecution of Donald Trump over efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. On Tuesday, lawyers argued before the Georgia Supreme Court about whether a 2024 subpoena can still compel her testimony. But Willis has agreed to testify under a 2025 subpoena issued after legislators passed a new law that fortified subpoena powers. The committee has focused on Willis’ hiring of special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis was removed from the case after an appeals court cited an appearance of impropriety because of a personal relationship between Willis and Wade.

FILE - Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger participates during an election forum, Sept. 19, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Brad Raffensperger sues to win more campaign spending power in Georgia governor race

December 8, 2025

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Republican candidate for Georgia governor to attack campaign finance rules that allow Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to raise unlimited contributions. A political action committee chaired by Raffensperger is suing in federal court in Atlanta saying the law is unconstitutional. Lawyers for the secretary of state are asking a judge to rule that Raffensperger’s committee should be able to coordinate with his gubernatorial campaign just as Jones’ leadership committee can. It’s the latest round of litigation over Georgia’s leadership committee law. Critics see the law as an incumbent protection racket, helping Gov. Brian Kemp, Jones and other Republicans maintain control of state politics.

FILE - Plant Bowen, commonly known as Bowen Steam Plant, is a Coal power station, operating, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in Euharlee, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Georgia Power says it needs a huge increase in power capacity to meet data center demand

December 5, 2025

Georgia’s largest utility wants to spend more than $15 billion to increase its electricity capacity by 50% over the next six years to serve data centers. It would be one of the biggest buildouts to meet the demand from developers of artificial intelligence. The five elected Republicans on Georgia’s Public Service Commission will vote on the request by Georgia Power on Dec. 19. The decision comes as electricity bills have emerged as a potent political issue. In Georgia, voters ousted two incumbent Republicans in favor of Democrats last month. Those Democrats won in campaigns that centered on Georgia Power bill increases, even though the company agreed to a three-year rate freeze.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks during a campaign stop in her 2026 Democratic bid for governor on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 in Columbus, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Keisha Lance Bottoms aims to be first Atlanta mayor to become Georgia governor

November 23, 2025

Keisha Lance Bottoms is bidding to become the first former Atlanta mayor to be elected governor of Georgia. The Democrat touts her biography and record during her one term as mayor as she seeks to defeat six other Democrats for the nomination. She’s well-known, has executive experience, and served in President Joe Biden’s administration after he considered Bottoms as a possible vice president. Opponents say Bottoms has fatal weaknesses, particularly in how she handled crime and the pandemic as mayor. Her decision to become the first Atlanta mayor since World War II to not seek reelection also sparks questions. But Bottoms says she’s a battle-tested leader ready to fight for Georgians.

FILE - Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning. Here’s what to know about her five years in Congress

November 21, 2025

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has announced she will resign from Congress on January 5, 2026. Her departure will mark the end of a tumultuous five-year career. Greene first gained attention as a conspiracy theorist and supporter of Donald Trump. She became a controversial figure in Congress, with Democrats removing from her committee assignments. Despite this, she remained influential. She moved close to power when she allied with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Greene was pushed out of running for U.S. Senate and Georgia governor. Her resignation follows a period of growing discontent, including criticism of Trump and an isolationist stance.

FILE - The Qcells solar panel plant is seen, June 27, 2025, near Cartersville, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

South Korean solar firm cuts pay and hours for Georgia workers as US officials detain imports

November 9, 2025

A South Korean solar company says it will temporarily reduce pay and working hours for about 1,000 of its 3,000 employees in Georgia because U.S. customs officials have been detaining imported components for solar panels. Qcells announced Friday that it will also lay off 300 workers from staffing agencies at its plants in Dalton and Cartersville. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been impounding Qcells components on suspicion that they contain materials made with forced labor in China. Qcells says none of its components are made with forced labor or come from China. The company says some shipments have been released and it plans to resume full production.

FILE - Judge Scott McAfee addresses the lawyers during a hearing on charges against former President Donald Trump in the Georgia election interference case, Thursday, March 28, 2024 in Atlanta. (Dennis Byron/Hip Hop Enquirer via AP, Pool, File)

Judge sets Nov. 14 deadline for new prosecutor in Georgia election case against Trump

October 9, 2025

A judge has given more time to find a new prosecutor for the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified due to a romantic relationship with a prosecutor she hired. The judge originally set a two-week deadline to find a new prosecutor. The state agency charged with the task asked for at least 90 says to examine the case file. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee on Wednesday granted the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council until Nov. 14 to find a new prosecutor. Any case against Trump is unlikely to advance while he’s president. But 14 others including Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani still face charges.

FILE - Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., speaks during an interview at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Marietta, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff raises $12 million for 2026 reelection

October 8, 2025

Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff says he raised more than $12 million from July through September. The first-term Democrat is trying to build up cash as he prepares for what is likely to be a bruising 2026 reelection bid. Ossoff says he has $21 million in the bank, but he spent nearly half of what he raised in the third quarter. That reflects a campaign that is already ramping up, with Republican groups spending against him. Two top Republican challengers, Mike Collins and Derek Dooley, each raised nearly $2 million by the end of September. The third major Republican in the race is U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter. He hasn’t reported a total yet.

FILE - A cotton picker moves through Chris Hopkins' cotton field, Dec. 6, 2024, near Lyons, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Georgia farmers will get $531M in Hurricane Helene aid, but the deal’s not done yet

September 30, 2025

Georgia farmers are still waiting for aid after Hurricane Helene, even as other states finalize agreements. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Georgia officials announced $531 million for Georgia farmers on Tuesday. However, unlike South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia, Georgia hasn’t completed an agreement on distributing the funds. Officials are still ironing out administrative details. The delays have frustrated farmers, who have faced financial stress and low crop prices. The September 2024 storm caused significant damage across several states, with Georgia’s poultry industry being a major target for additional aid.

Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at a rally kicking off his 2026 campaign for governor on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Flovilla, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Georgia’s 2026 candidates still can’t escape fallout from Trump’s false 2020 election claims

September 28, 2025

Fallout from the 2020 presidential election feels like it may never end in Georgia. Decisions made following Democrat Joe Biden’s narrow win — and Donald Trump’s false claims of victory that year — still define politics in the Peach State as 2026 elections approach. Some Republicans fear showcasing those questions could turn off a wider electorate more worried about economic issues even if the Trump fervor still drives many GOP voters. Disputes over 2020 still rage in other states including Michigan and Arizona. But in Georgia, 2020’s fallout may define the Republican choice for governor in 2026 and influence other races, including Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection bid.

FILE - Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., speaks during a news conference on the Voting Rights Advancement Act, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

Trump extends Georgia health insurance program with work requirements, despite red tape findings

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration has extended Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program for 15 months. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday that the program will continue through December 2026. It was set to expire next week. Pathways requires low-income adults to document 80 hours of work or other activities each month to qualify for health insurance. Pathways has enrolled far fewer people than originally projected, covering 9,175 people as of August. It has spent twice as much on administrative costs than on providing actual health care. Georgia’s program is closely watched because Republicans mandated similar work requirements throughout the country as part of the tax and budget overhaul signed into law by Trump.

FILE - Vehicles move on the line at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Hyundai says it will spend $2.7 billion expanding the Georgia plant raided by ICE

September 18, 2025

Hyundai Motor Group confirms it’s moving forward with expanding its Georgia plant. The move comes after an immigration raid delayed startup of an electric vehicle battery plant at the site. The company plans to invest $2.7 billion to boost capacity by 200,000 vehicles over the next three years. The company aims to produce 10 electric and hybrid models at the facility west of Savannah, up from two now. Hyundai pledges that 60% of its vehicles will be electric or hybrid by 2030 as it aims to grow sales in South Korea, North America and Europe. Hyundai says 80% of its vehicles sold in the U.S. will be made domestically by 2030.

FILE - Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger participates during an election forum, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Republican Brad Raffensperger to run for Georgia governor after defying Trump over 2020 election

September 17, 2025

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says he’s running for governor in 2026. The Republican made the announcement Wednesday. He famously rejected Donald Trump’s request to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, a state he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Raffensperger is likely to aim his appeal at Republicans who have at times been lukewarm on Trump. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr are already seeking the GOP nomination. Raffensperger won reelection in 2022 despite Trump’s opposition. Although he starts later than other major candidates, voters already know who Raffensperger is. Plus the engineering entrepreneur can self-finance his campaign.

FILE - A sign warns against trespassing on government property at the site of a planned Rivian electric truck plant March 7, 2024, in Rutledge, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Georgia judge won’t award attorneys fees to governments in lawsuit over Rivian vehicle plant

September 12, 2025

A judge has rejected an attempt by Georgia and a local development agency to make residents pay legal fees after they unsuccessfully sued to block the Rivian electric vehicle plant. The state and a development authority wanted six property owners to pay over $337,000 in fees. Judge Stephen Bradley says in a ruling filed Friday that the lawsuits weren’t frivolous and that awarding fees could hurt citizens’ ability to challenge government actions. The ruling comes days before a groundbreaking ceremony for the $5 billion Rivian Automotive plant east of Atlanta. Some locals oppose the plant, saying it is an inappropriate neighbor in a rural area.

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard standing next to an MATV vehicle scan the area as they patrol outside Union Station, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Georgia sends troops to DC in sign that Trump’s policing push will continue

September 5, 2025

Georgia is becoming the eighth state to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to support President Donald Trump’s law enforcement operation in the capital. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday that most troops would deploy later this month to relieve guard members from elsewhere. The District of Columbia is challenging Trump’s use of the National Guard as an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The White House says the deployment is within Trump’s authority. Kemp earlier mobilized 75 Georgia National Guard members to support immigration enforcement in Georgia. Those soldiers won’t be making arrests. Georgia is one of 11 states where the guard will be helping ICE.

FILE - Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer for the Georgia Secretary of State, answers journalists' questions, Nov. 16, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Gray, File)

Republican Gabriel Sterling, defender of 2020 Georgia election, runs for secretary of state

September 4, 2025

Gabriel Sterling, known for defending Georgia’s 2020 election results, is running for the state’s secretary of state. The 54-year-old Sterling announced his candidacy Thursday. He was a key figure in debunking election fraud claims and has been a close aide to Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Sterling’s campaign emphasizes maintaining the security of Georgia’s elections. He faces competition from Republicans Kelvin King and Tim Fleming. Both have appealed to Trump supporters who may dislike the record of Sterling and Raffensperger. The Republican primary will test whether Sterling can attract voters who approve of his handling of elections despite criticism from Trump.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Derek Dooley speaks, accompanied by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, foreground, at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Kemp endorses Derek Dooley for Georgia Senate seat and says an outsider can beat Democrat Jon Ossoff

August 30, 2025

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has endorsed Derek Dooley for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat in 2026. Kemp says an outsider like Dooley without congressional experience can best challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Kemp announced his support on Saturday before a University of Georgia football game in Athens. Kemp’s endorsement isn’t a surprise after he told other candidates last month he would back Dooley. Rival Republican Mike Collins argues Dooley lacks the record of political activity and support for President Donald Trump needed to motivate Republican voters. Trump hasn’t yet endorsed anyone, and candidate Buddy Carter argues that is a more important nod.

Elevated new houses stand west of downtown Aug. 12, 2025, in Gulfport, Miss. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

A Mississippi city’s tax break spurred post-Katrina building. But will homes stand the next storm?

August 29, 2025

A decade after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, one Mississippi city began offering property tax breaks to encourage building near the waterfront. Gulfport’s goal was to speed up rebuilding and boost the economy. But like in other cities exposed to natural hazards, where to encourage construction can be a tough choice. Gulfport enforced stricter building codes and officials express confidence that today’s construction is better prepared. But most residents near the water are in at least a moderate-risk flood zone. Nationwide, many more homes are being built in flood zones than are being removed. Risk grows with rising sea levels, and the odds of flooding add up over time.

Printed copies of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are shown on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution to stop printing as it transitions to all-digital news

August 28, 2025

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will stop printing at year’s end, making Atlanta the largest U.S. metro area without a printed major newspaper. Publisher Andrew Morse says in a Thursday announcement that the company will bolster its news delivery in digital, audio and video formats. Morse says more people consume news in digital platforms than print, and this trend is growing. The newspaper is owned by the Cox family and has a rich history dating back to 1868. Despite the print edition still being profitable, the AJC’s focus will now be on expanding digital offerings and increasing online subscribers.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins speaks at a Senate campaign event on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Jackson, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Mike Collins argues he can unite Georgia GOP in challenge to Democratic US Sen. Jon Ossoff

August 20, 2025

Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins is seeking to unite President Donald Trump’s base with traditional business conservatives in his bid to unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026. Collins has endorsements from many Republican state lawmakers, although GOP Gov. Brian Kemp is backing newcomer Derek Dooley. Fellow congressman Buddy Carter is also seeking the Republican nomination. Ossoff is a key Republican target in 2026 because he’s the only Democratic incumbent seeking reelection in a state Trump won in 2024. But the Republicans lining up behind Collins may show that Kemp may finally be waning into lame-duck status late in his second term.

A top Republican in the Georgia governor’s race is suing his rival over campaign financing

August 7, 2025

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is suing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over how Jones is financing his campaign as both Republicans run for governor in 2026. Carr claims Jones’ ability to use a special leadership committee gives him an unfair advantage by allowing unlimited fundraising. Carr says that because he has to follow campaign contribution limits, Jones’ use of the leadership committee violates Carr’s rights to free speech and equal protection. The Thursday lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta. It seeks to stop Jones from raising or spending money from his leadership committee before the May primary. Jones’ campaign dismisses Carr’s complaints.

FILE - Missouri offensive coordinator Derek Dooley calls out instructions during an NCAA college football practice, Aug. 12, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Former Tennessee coach Derek Dooley announces 2026 Senate bid in Georgia

August 4, 2025

Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley has announced his 2026 Republican bid for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. He is running against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Dooley is backed by Gov. Brian Kemp and on Monday joined a GOP field that includes U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins. Kemp turned to Dooley after deciding not to run himself. Dooley has never held elective office and plans to run as a political outsider. He aims to bring “Georgia common sense” and work with President Donald Trump. Dooley’s candidacy has already faced criticism for his lack of conservative credentials.

FILE - Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., presides over a House Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene won’t run for governor in 2026

July 29, 2025

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she won’t run for governor in Georgia. The staunch ally of President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that she isn’t running with a long social media post saying she is turned off by Georgia’s “good ole boy” system and alleging that it is endangering Republican control of the state. Greene chose earlier not to run for Senate under pressure from Republicans who feared she would hand a second term to Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Greene had been saying she was considering running for governor. She appeared at the Georgia Republican Party convention in Dalton in June wearing a “Make Georgia Great Again” hat and discussing state issues.

FILE - Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., center,, is joined from left by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., as they talk to reporters about the Laken Riley Act, a bill to detain unauthorized immigrants who have been accused of certain crimes, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Georgia Republican Mike Collins joins field seeking to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026

July 28, 2025

Georgia Republican Mike Collins is joining the GOP field to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026. The second-term congressman made the announcement Monday. He’s the newest major Republican to enter the race in the key battleground state. Already running in the GOP primary is U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, while former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley is expected to announce soon. State Insurance Commissioner John King dropped out. Collins styles himself as a “MAGA workhorse” and strong supporter of Donald Trump. He has a combative social media presence that has drawn publicity and criticism. Ossoff won his seat in 2021 and is campaigning for a second term.

FILE - Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Georgia Ethics Commission won’t investigate source of Republican Burt Jones’ $10M loan

July 22, 2025

Georgia’s State Ethics Commission is declining to investigate Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over a $10 million loan to a campaign committee. The commission wrote in a Monday letter to a lawyer for Attorney General Chris Carr’s campaign that the complaint didn’t allege a legal violation. Carr and Jones are both running for the 2026 Republican nomination for governor. Carr questions the source of the funds. He says Jones’ earlier financial disclosures don’t show enough cash. Carr’s separate request on whether it’s legal for Jones to make loans to his leadership committee remains pending. Carr argues loans can be made only to a candidate committee, not to a separate leadership committee.

A Georgia Republican governor candidate questions legality of rival’s $10M campaign loan

July 17, 2025

A Republican candidate for Georgia governor accuses his rival of illegally lending $10 million to a campaign committee. Attorney General Chris Carr’s campaign lawyer said in a Thursday letter to state ethics officials that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones violated state law by giving the money to his so-called leadership committee. That committee can raise unlimited funds. Carr is asking the state Ethics Commission to agree with his position that Georgia law only allows such loans to candidate committees, which have limits on contributions. Jones made the loans in July to boost his campaign. A spokesperson for Jones calls Carr’s claims “a weak attempt to get attention.”

Judge disqualifies Democrat Daniel Blackman from Georgia Public Service Commission primary

June 10, 2025

Votes won’t count for Democrat Daniel Blackman in the June 17 primary election for Georgia Public Service Commission. A judge ruled Tuesday that Blackman hasn’t proved that he’s lived in Fulton County for the required year before the November election. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville earlier kept Blackman on the ballot temporarily after Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger had disqualified him. But Glanville says after a hearing that Raffensperger’s ruling was correct. Blackman can appeal. If he loses, votes for him won’t be counted in the District 3 Democratic primary for the utility regulator. Democrats Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones and Keisha Waites also seek their party’s nomination.

2026 races loom at Georgia Republican convention as Trump loyalty dominates

June 7, 2025

Many Georgia Republicans are already thinking about races for governor and Senate in 2026. The state party held its yearly convention Friday and Saturday in Dalton. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s still thinking about a run for governor and gave a speech that centered on state-level issues. Attorney General Chris Carr, a declared candidate for governor, greeted delegates but didn’t give a speech. Another likely candidate for governor is Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He emphasized his accomplishments and support for President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and state Insurance Commissioner John King both boosted their candidacies to challenge Democratic U.S. Senate incumbent Jon Ossoff.

FILE - Tennessee Volunteers head coach Derek Dooley watches his team warm up before an NCAA college football game on Sept. 22, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

Former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley eyes GOP Senate run against Jon Ossoff in Georgia

June 6, 2025

Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley says he is considering running for U.S. Senate in 2026 as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision not to run for the seat has left Georgia Republicans looking for other options to face off against Ossoff. The 56-year-old Dooley says he will decide on a bid in coming weeks. Among Republicans who have declared their candidacies are U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, Insurance Commissioner John King and activist Reagan Box. Dooley would be banking on his status as the son of legendary University Georgia coach Vince Dooley and Kemp’s long ties to the Dooley family.

FILE - A ninth grader places his cellphone into a phone holder as he enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)

Half of US states now have laws banning or regulating cellphones in schools, with more to follow

May 20, 2025

Half of U.S. states now have laws banning or regulating cellphones in schools, with more likely to follow. Florida was the first state to pass a law regulating the use of cellphones in schools in 2023, while Alaska became the 25th on Tuesday. Bills have sprinted through legislatures this year in states as varied as New York and Oklahoma, reflecting a broad consensus that phones are bad for kids. Eight other states and the District of Columbia have rules or recommendations out to local districts. There’s an increasing focus on banning phones throughout the school day. But some states with traditions of local control are mandating only that districts adopt cellphone policies

Jeff Amy.