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.