The Georgia Hour, episode 154: Elections, GOP Chaos, and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s DOJ Letter!

Dive into the latest episode of The Georgia Hour on Voice of Rural America, where host BKP unpacks Georgia’s heated political landscape. From Fulton County election board drama to the critical SD 21 race and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s controversial DOJ letter, this podcast exposes the high-stakes battles shaping Georgia’s future. Explore Republican Party turmoil, election integrity debates, and upcoming races that could shift the state’s political balance. Tune in for unfiltered insights into Georgia’s 2025 election cycle!
Fulton County Election Board Drama:
Issue: Jason Fraser remains unappointed to the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, with Julie Adams continuing to serve despite not being re-appointed.
Why It Matters: Two critical elections (SD 21 and Public Service Commissioner) hinge on Fulton County’s election integrity. Failure to address board appointments could impact Republican outcomes.
Context: The Republican Party of Fulton County’s delay in appointments raises concerns about election oversight as Democrats could capitalize on any mismanagement.
Senate District 21 (SD 21) Special Election:
Election Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Candidates: Republican Jason Dickerson vs. a Democratic opponent.
Stakes: The Democrat previously secured 8,438 votes compared to Dickerson’s 3,700 in a jungle primary, posing a risk of flipping the historically Republican seat.
Impact: A Democratic win could weaken the Republican Senate majority, embolden Democrats statewide, and attract significant outside funding for future races.
Concerns: Low Republican voter turnout and negative sentiment toward Dickerson could jeopardize the race.
Public Service Commissioner Race:
Election Date: Approximately 56 days from September 9, 2025 (November 4, 2025).
Candidates: Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.
Significance: A Democratic victory in either of the two commissioner seats could shift Georgia’s political landscape, especially with municipal elections (which lean Democratic) occurring simultaneously.
Challenge: Republicans must mobilize voters to counter Democratic turnout driven by municipal races.
Georgia Republican Party Leadership Crisis:
Issue: The Georgia Republican Party lacks an executive director after Justin Rice stepped down on August 31, 2025. No replacement has been announced.
Previous Context: Travis Bowden (former executive director) was fired, highlighting internal party dysfunction.
Implications: Leadership gaps could weaken GOP strategy ahead of critical 2025 and 2026 elections.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Controversial Moves:
DOJ Letter: On September 6, 2025, Greene sent a letter to the FBI and DOJ urging a federal investigation into Georgia’s elections, citing unresolved 2020 election complaints in Fulton County.
Motives: Speculation suggests Greene’s actions stem from frustration over not securing Donald Trump’s endorsement for governor or senator in 2026. She may be targeting Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gabriel Sterling to disrupt their political plans.
Criticism: Critics, including Laura Loomer, accuse Greene of using her 14th District seat for personal financial gain, including stock trading and family payments.
Context: The Georgia State Election Board passed a non-binding resolution in July 2025 calling for investigations into election law violations, which Greene references in her letter.
Election Integrity and Blue Ribbon Panel:
Panel Overview: Chaired by Tim Fleming, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Election Integrity is touring Georgia to discuss election system improvements.
Controversy: Critics argue the panel serves as a campaign platform for Fleming, who announced his Secretary of State candidacy and secured endorsements from 70 Georgia State House members.
Paper Ballot Proposal: Fleming and Victor Anderson requested a hand-marked paper ballot test for the November 2025 election, which was denied by the Secretary of State’s office, citing Georgia’s 2019 mandate for a uniform voting system.
Response: Charlene McGowan from the Secretary of State’s office emphasized Georgia’s “gold standard” for secure elections, rejecting the paper ballot test.
Brad Raffensperger’s Gubernatorial Ambitions:
Announcement: Raffensperger confirmed he is considering a run for governor in 2026, competing against Burt Jones (Trump-endorsed) and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Challenges: Some Republicans question Raffensperger’s eligibility to run as a Republican due to a state convention resolution, though he is expected to qualify with support from GOP leadership.
Public Reaction: Kandiss Taylor criticized Raffensperger’s gubernatorial bid as “delusional,” though BKP notes irony given Taylor’s own congressional run.
Gabriel Sterling’s Secretary of State Race:
Candidates: Sterling faces Tim Fleming and Kelvin King in the Republican primary.
Background: Sterling and Ryan Germany (2020 and 2024 Fulton County election monitor) have deep knowledge of Fulton County’s election processes, raising questions about their influence.
Speculation: BKP suggests Kelvin and Janelle King may have ambitions beyond the Secretary of State role.
Brian Kemp’s National Guard Deployment:
Action: Governor Brian Kemp sent 300 Georgia National Guard members to Washington, D.C., to reinforce federal efforts (context unclear, possibly related to security or “insurrection” concerns).
Speculation: BKP questions Kemp’s motives, suggesting it may be an attempt to align with Trump’s administration.
Context: Kemp’s ally, Derek Dooley, is campaigning as pro-Trump, adding to speculation about Kemp’s political strategy.
Upcoming Events and Voter Engagement:
Fish Fry Event: On September 27, 2025, at the Warner Robinson Center, a Republican fundraiser will feature candidates, music, and vendors. BKP will host a three-hour live political show starting at 10:30 AM, engaging voters and candidates.
Debate Moderation: BKP plans to moderate gubernatorial and Secretary of State debates in 2026, emphasizing tough but fair questions to inform voters.
Call to Action: BKP urges Republicans to mobilize for the SD 21 and Public Service Commissioner races to counter Democratic funding and voter turnout.
Additional Notes:
Frost Family Ponzi Scheme: A $140 million Ponzi scheme involving the Frost family is under investigation by the Secretary of State’s office, with questions about campaign contributions to lawmakers.
Christopher Mora’s Campaign: Mora is challenging Barry Loudermilk in the 11th Congressional District Republican primary, with more discussion planned for future episodes.