The Georgia Hour, episode 146: Dem Senate Threat Could Flip Georgia Red to Blue!

Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race ignites as Lt. Gov. Burt Jones launches his campaign tonight (August 26, 2025) at the Idlewilde Event Center in Flovilla, GA (6-7:30 PM), armed with a Trump endorsement to rally MAGA grassroots and sideline Attorney General Chris Carr and possibly Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Rumors swirl of a third candidate, possibly self-funded Clark Dean, though unconfirmed if they’ve filed to raise funds, potentially splitting the conservative vote in a battle for GOP control. Meanwhile, today’s special election for State Senate District 21 sees one Democrat against six Republicans, with over $1M spent on a $18K/year seat. A Democratic upset in the looming runoff could flip this red district, exposing GOP weaknesses and Georgia’s unresolved jungle primary issues. In the 1st Congressional District, Republican Brian Montgomery joins eight others, including Jim Kingston (not local, tied to the establishment) and Kandiss Taylor, to replace Rep. Buddy Carter amid Savannah’s 1,000 paper plant layoffs. November’s Public Service Commission races are critical—Democrats outvoted Republicans in primaries, and a single win could flood 2026 with funds, impacting utility rates and signaling GOP vulnerabilities. Fulton County Democrat commissioners face contempt charges tomorrow for defying a judge’s order to seat Republicans Jason Frazier and Julie Adams on the election board. Kemp-endorsed Derek Dooley’s Senate bid dodges abortion questions, aiming to counter Rep. Mike Collins, while Rep. Sanford Bishop (2nd District) faces renewed challenges from Chuck Hand and possibly Wayne Johnson. Reps. Andrew Clyde (9th), Marjorie Taylor Greene (14th), and Barry Loudermilk (11th) face challengers, while Rep. Houston Gaines (House District 10) has no announced opponents yet.