Georgia's political landscape is heating up with key GOP convention dates and the emergence of candidates for the state executive board. There's a deep state strategy to influence deep red counties, with Catoosa and Cherokee counties notably holding caucuses independently of GOP recommendations. Local party control is contested in Catoosa county. And, the current state GOP chair Josh McKoon is seen as unprepared for the 2026 political challenges.

Economically, the arrival of ICE at the Hyundai plant has sparked discussions on labor conditions and unionization. Meanwhile, the CDC has undergone significant layoffs, cutting over 1,000 jobs. In legislative news, a concerning bill is moving through the Georgia legislature, aiming to create a school security database for children, raising privacy and surveillance issues. More details on this bill are expected soon.

This podcast delves into the leadership of Josh McKoon and his controversial tenure at the Georgia GOP. BKP, who was 1st Vice Chair under McKoon, criticizes his dictatorial control and lack of transparency within the party. McKoon is accused of taking credit for Trump's victory while failing to secure crucial wins for Georgia, including losses in the State House under his leadership. The segment also touches on the decline of the Georgia GOP and the problematic leadership of both McKoon and the GOP’s previous chair and McKoon’s friend, David Shaffer, questioning their true commitment to the party’s success. McKoon’s recent push for election integrity is seen as political posturing, with concerns about his connections to Brian Kemp’s faction and his failure to address real issues. The segment highlights the significant losses Georgia Republicans have faced in the last five years, reflecting the ineffectiveness of the current leadership.

The focus shifts to the ongoing fight for election integrity in Georgia, with efforts to secure elections through the introduction of paper ballots and the removal of QR codes from ballots, as seen in SB189. Despite promises, Brad Raffensperger and lawmakers are considering whether to invest in removing the QR codes or update the software. A federal ruling has confirmed the QR codes’ unlawfulness, adding complexity to the issue. The segment discusses the role of state and federal laws in safeguarding elections, as well as the challenges posed by voter rolls and the integrity of voting systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of securing elections and restoring sovereignty through transparent and accountable election processes.

In Georgia, finding true conservative leadership is becoming increasingly difficult, as the state faces growing concerns over its political landscape. In Georgia's legislature, “conservative” Republicans push a midyear budget that focuses on increases for mental health, school security, and law enforcement, yet wasteful spending on projects like the $650M water system for Hyundai. The state's shift toward Democrat values has raised alarms, particularly over election security. Calls to return to paper ballots and human-controlled voting are necessary as technology progresses. However, election officials, including Brad Raffensperger, resist these efforts, pushing costly contracts and defending the current system as the most secure. The fight for real election integrity in Georgia faces significant roadblocks, leaving citizens frustrated with the lack of progress on true reform.

As Georgia's 2025 legislative session continues, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is expected to announce his candidacy for governor in April, setting up a potential showdown with Attorney General Chris Carr. Political tensions are rising as Governor Brian Kemp reportedly distances himself from Jones, while the AJC seems cautiously supportive of Jones, only to likely turn against him once he becomes the GOP nominee. Legislative changes, such as a bill eliminating taxes on tips and SB39 targeting transgender youth healthcare, are also fueling political debates with implications for the 2026 elections. The GOP is facing challenges, with infighting among factions and fears of a Democratic resurgence, led by figures like Keisha Lance Bottoms. Meanwhile, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is targeting the Georgia House as a potential power shift in 2026, leaving the GOP scrambling to unite and regroup. With growing divisions, the question remains whether Republicans can maintain their foothold or risk a Democratic takeover.

State legislators are shifting their focus as key bills move through the chambers. SB39, which aims to prohibit state funding for gender-affirming care, is gaining traction with strong Senate support, but its limited exceptions warrant close attention as it moves forward. SB1 and SB35 have passed. Meanwhile, HB180, co-sponsored by Republican democrat Stan Gunter and Democrat Stacy Evans, is stirring concern due to the unusual bipartisan collaboration and its potential implications. The legislative body is flooded with 379 house bills and 140 Senate bills, raising questions about the necessity of so many laws. Additionally, HB296, which introduces electronic digital driver’s licenses, is being debated in the second reader. Amid these discussions, concerns about back-end funding and political motivations, including the recent $4B increase in the state budget, are highlighted, emphasizing the lack of strong legislative action.

A sudden shift in Georgia politics has Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones cozying up to President Trump, despite tensions and disagreements. Burns, who once resisted making election changes in Georgia, is now taking political capital from Trump’s influence, while Burt Jones is positioning himself for a run at the governor’s office. Burns and Jones, despite personal and political differences, are now in the spotlight together—though their relationship remains complicated, with separate charters to D.C. and conflicting ambitions.

In Georgia, a legislative battle is heating up, particularly over Senate Bill 1, which bans boys from competing in girls' sports—a bill championed by Burt Jones for political gain as he campaigns for governor. Behind the scenes, tensions are rising, with Governor Brian Kemp’s supporters, including key figures like Will Wade, potentially undermining Jones' gubernatorial aspirations. Meanwhile, Burns is pushing the "Riley Gaines Act," which could further complicate Jones’ path to power.

Amid this political turmoil, a looming campaign for governor threatens Burt Jones’ prospects, as Kemp and his allies quietly position themselves against Jones. The stakes are high as various state figures, including possible Senate challengers like Marjorie Taylor Greene, jockey for influence. While President Trump is reshaping national politics, his actions are also reverberating down to the state and local level, with consequences for Georgia’s upcoming elections and the future of its leadership.

This segment delves into the ongoing political drama in Georgia surrounding the protection of girls’ sports and the state's budget. Burt Jones and Jon Burns are at odds, with Jon Burns attempting to steal the spotlight by introducing the Riley Gaines Act, undercutting Burt Jones’ original SB1 bill. Burns is accused of political maneuvering to weaken Jones’ influence, with Frontline and House members praising Burns’ actions. Meanwhile, the Georgia legislature is pushing forward a $40.5 billion midyear state budget that increases spending while offering only a small fraction back to taxpayers. A call for closer scrutiny of this budget, questioning whether lawmakers are truly conservative. Additionally, it highlights the controversy surrounding Colton Moore's arrest orders for Keith Williams, which raised issues about authority inside the Capitol and the jurisdiction of Capitol Police.

Tensions are running high within Georgia’s Republican leadership, as Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones are vying for control of the state's political narrative. Burns, seen as a key figure in the Georgia House, made headlines with his rush to introduce the "Riley Gaines Act" the day before Donald Trump was set to sign an executive order on women's sports, adding fuel to the fire of an ongoing House-Senate rivalry. While Kemp seeks to prevent Burt Jones from gaining MAGA support, Jones has become a critical ally in promoting conservative priorities, including protecting women’s sports from transgender participation. The GOP’s internal dynamics are further complicated by Georgia’s election integrity task force led by Brad Carver and Josh McKoon’s push for a closed primary system. As Georgia faces challenges ahead, including the upcoming 2026 elections, the internal GOP conflict could affect its chances of maintaining control. Meanwhile, the state’s political maneuvering raises concerns about the future of its leadership and the impact of Trump’s influence in Georgia.