Monday July 21, 2025 - Can Debra Shigley snatch a red-leaning state Senate seat?

With a 'jungle primary' in late August on the docket for Georgia's 21st state Senate district voters, the lone Democrat on the ballot - ⁠Debra Shigley⁠ - is not only imminently qualified for the job, she's also putting in the sweat equity in hopes that she can surprise in this red-leaning district. The special election, necessitated by Brandon Beach taking a Trump cabinet role, is an early barometer on the mood of Georgia voters, post-DOGE; post-"big beautiful bill," too. With Donald eager to distract everyone from the "Epstein files," if ever an opportunity existed to clip a state Senate seat, this might be it. I spoke at length with Debra about campaigning in this heat, how she sees herself representing this "R+" district if she did win it, what voters there are telling her matter most, and how her experience as a mother, business owner and even a Jewish woman all impact her passion for service. ------ ⁠Candace Ownes almost gets it; ⁠she believes the President isn't on the infamous "Epstein list," but does believe his inner circle may be setting him up for a big fall. She does say the quiet part out loud, though: either Trump thinks his base is stupid or those around think he is. What if she's right on both counts?