In Wednesday’s episode of the “Politically Georgia” podcast, Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalists Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein analyze Gov. Brian Kemp‘s decision to pass on a U.S. Senate bid in 2026.

Kemp’s announcement leaves a wide open field for Georgia Republicans who want to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Among the possible GOP contenders are U.S. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Collins, state Insurance Commissioner John King, and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

The hosts will also discuss U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s recent town hall over the weekend at Zion Hill Baptist Church.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., gives remarks during a town hall at Zion Hill Baptist Church on May 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

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Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

The Georgia Democrat fielded questions on tariffs and the Department of Government Efficiency.

Warnock also offered his take on the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second administration.

“We have witnessed the devastating consequences of this new administration,” Warnock said. “This has been the longest 100 days in my life.”

New episodes of the “Politically Georgia” podcast are available every week wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or other podcast platforms. You can also ask your smart speaker to “play the Politically Georgia podcast.”

Have a question or comment for the hosts? Call the 24-hour “Politically Georgia” podcast hotline at 770-810-5297.

In the next episode, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy interview state Sen. Josh McLaurin about his bid to become lieutenant governor.

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State Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Democrat who grew up in east Cobb, is expected to launch his campaign for Lieutenant governor in Savannah on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Hyosub Shin / AJC file photo)

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U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks during a town hall at the Cobb County Civic Center on April 25 in Atlanta. Ossoff said Wednesday he is investigating corporate landlords and out-of-state companies buying up single-family homes in bulk. (Jason Allen for the AJC)

Credit: Jason Allen/AJC