The Georgia Hour, episode 68: The Battle for Georgia GOP Leadership: Josh McKoon, Salleigh Grubbs, and the Cobb County Conundrum

The contest for the Georgia Republican Party (GOP) chairmanship pits incumbent Josh McKoon, backed by a narrative of being a "winning coach," against challenger David Cross. Critics argue McKoon’s leadership, alongside Cobb County GOP Chair Salleigh Grubbs, has failed to deliver Republican victories, particularly in Cobb County, which saw Democrats strengthen their county commission majority in two special elections on April 29, 2025. Despite increased Trump support in most metro counties in 2024, Cobb County, under Grubbs’ leadership, was the only metro county to lose Trump votes compared to 2020, turning a once "ruby red" stronghold blue. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) is accused of endorsing McKoon while labeling Cross a conspiracy theorist, only to celebrate Democratic wins in Cobb, with an eye on the 2026 midterms. Allegations swirl that McKoon and Grubbs lack a strategic plan, evidenced by their failure to mobilize resources like Turning Point USA for the Cobb elections. Critics question why McKoon, rumored to be eyeing a Secretary of State run, enjoys support from figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Collins, and why Grubbs, a potential future chair if McKoon steps down, is backed despite her Cobb County losses. Meanwhile, Cross’s campaign is portrayed as focused on winning elections, not personal ambition, with endorsements from figures like BKP for a slate including Cross, Lisa Pierce, Norine Cantor, Laurie McClain, Cinderella Nixon, and others. Concerns also arise about transparency, with claims that McKoon’s team is withholding delegate lists, urging delegates to organize and vote at the state convention in Dalton.