Alander Rocha
@alander.bsky.social
I write about Georgia policy and politics for @georgiarecorder.com / Tulane, UGA alum / dogcatdad / Got a tip? arocha@georgiarecorder.com or alander.01 on Signal
Reposted by Alander Rocha
The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats flip two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission • Georgia Recorder
Democrats have flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, which is currently an all-GOP panel. The PSC regulates Georgia utilities.
georgiarecorder.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM
The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Via @alander.bsky.social and @georgiarecorder.com: The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats flip two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission | Alabama Reflector
Democrats have flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, which is currently an all-GOP panel. The PSC regulates Georgia utilities.
alabamareflector.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Via @alander.bsky.social and @georgiarecorder.com: The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
“It’s really just to make my voice heard,” said one Cherokee County voter Tuesday. “It’s been a disappointing year so far with how the nation’s been going, so I wanted to get my voice out there.”
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Voter snapshot: Residents of Cherokee County have their say on Georgia PSC races • Georgia Recorder
It’s election day in Georgia for two Public Service Commission seats, and voters are making their voices heard over who should sit on a board that helps determine Georgia’s energy policy and the rates...
georgiarecorder.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:22 PM
“It’s really just to make my voice heard,” said one Cherokee County voter Tuesday. “It’s been a disappointing year so far with how the nation’s been going, so I wanted to get my voice out there.”
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
President Trump has backtracked on a pledge by his administration in court filings to partially fund November food assistance during the shutdown, posting on social media that benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”
A defiant Trump vows no SNAP payments until Democrats cave on shutdown • Georgia Recorder
President Donald Trump backtracked Tuesday on a pledge by his administration in court filings to partially fund November food assistance during the government shutdown, posting on social media that be...
georgiarecorder.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:19 PM
President Trump has backtracked on a pledge by his administration in court filings to partially fund November food assistance during the shutdown, posting on social media that benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
Drawn to the polls by local issues, Atlanta voters could influence statewide Georgia utility races • Georgia Recorder
Atlanta voters prioritized local issues over statewide races, yet their turnout could still lead to a Georgia Democrat victory in a statewide office.
georgiarecorder.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: Campaigning for two contested seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission has intensified during the early voting period, turning a relatively quiet election cycle into a partisan fight over utility rates and energy policy.
Battle for two seats on Georgia regulatory body heats up as campaigns enter homestretch • Georgia Recorder
Campaigning for two seats on the Public Service Commission has intensified as Republicans fear an upset due to low voter turnout in an off-year election.
georgiarecorder.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
New from @alander.bsky.social: Campaigning for two contested seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission has intensified during the early voting period, turning a relatively quiet election cycle into a partisan fight over utility rates and energy policy.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Georgia Democrats are urging Gov. Brian Kemp to help fund the state's SNAP program during the federal government shutdown. Story from @mayahoman.bsky.social and @alander.bsky.social.
Georgia Democrats call on Kemp to fund SNAP with state reserves • Georgia Recorder
The latest clash stemming from the federal shutdown centers on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.
georgiarecorder.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Georgia Democrats are urging Gov. Brian Kemp to help fund the state's SNAP program during the federal government shutdown. Story from @mayahoman.bsky.social and @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
As many as 1.4 million Georgians who rely on federal food assistance could face the abrupt loss of benefits starting Nov. 1 if the government shutdown has not ended, reports @alander.bsky.social.
Federal food aid for over one million Georgians to stop Nov. 1 because of shutdown • Georgia Recorder
The federal government informed Georgia that it lacks funds for November SNAP food benefits for one in 10 state residents.
georgiarecorder.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:27 PM
As many as 1.4 million Georgians who rely on federal food assistance could face the abrupt loss of benefits starting Nov. 1 if the government shutdown has not ended, reports @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: A coalition of environmental organizations delivered more than 24,000 petition signatures and nearly 300 pieces of artwork from children to Gov. Brian Kemp’s office Thursday, urging him to permanently protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Fans of Okefenokee Swamp call on Kemp to support permanent land protections after mining scare • Georgia Recorder
Okefenokee advocates delivered over 24,000 signatures and children's art to Governor Kemp, urging him to back legislation banning mining on Trail Ridge.
georgiarecorder.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New from @alander.bsky.social: A coalition of environmental organizations delivered more than 24,000 petition signatures and nearly 300 pieces of artwork from children to Gov. Brian Kemp’s office Thursday, urging him to permanently protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
The alleged theft happened at a time when a perceived lack of transparency in the PSC’s dealings with Georgia Power has been scrutinized more intensely.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Prominent clean energy advocate accused of stealing Georgia Power ‘trade secrets’ at public meeting • Georgia Recorder
Clean energy advocate Patty Durand was arrested for allegedly stealing a Georgia Power document containing trade secrets during a PSC meeting.
georgiarecorder.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The alleged theft happened at a time when a perceived lack of transparency in the PSC’s dealings with Georgia Power has been scrutinized more intensely.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Yet again Georgia collected more than it spent, giving the state’s Republican governor and GOP-led legislature additional funds to spend or save in what’s expected to be an intense election year.
#gapol via The Current GA/yours truly
thecurrentga.org/2025/10/20/g...
#gapol via The Current GA/yours truly
thecurrentga.org/2025/10/20/g...
Georgia reports more than $14.6 billion in the bank - The Current
Georgia's Republican governor and GOP-led legislature have an additional $2 billion in funds to spend or save in the upcoming election year, despite federal spending cuts and concerns over funding gap...
thecurrentga.org
October 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Yet again Georgia collected more than it spent, giving the state’s Republican governor and GOP-led legislature additional funds to spend or save in what’s expected to be an intense election year.
#gapol via The Current GA/yours truly
thecurrentga.org/2025/10/20/g...
#gapol via The Current GA/yours truly
thecurrentga.org/2025/10/20/g...
Reposted by Alander Rocha
The board for Planned Parenthood Southeast - covering AL, GA, MS - hired a law firm to investigate allegations of mismanagement. "The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry," said a former PP director. Via @mayahoman.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/plan...
Planned Parenthood Southeast hires law firm to probe ‘troubling allegations’ after petition drive
Planned Parenthood Southeast’s board of directors announced this week that it would be hiring a law firm to investigate allegations of mismanagement that reproductive health advocates say threatens to...
www.newsfromthestates.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:49 PM
The board for Planned Parenthood Southeast - covering AL, GA, MS - hired a law firm to investigate allegations of mismanagement. "The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry," said a former PP director. Via @mayahoman.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/plan...
Stephen Stetson, the former AL and MS state director, said the problems might be due to bad leadership rather than ideological divides, but changes have damaged the org's credibility with other reproductive rights groups.
“The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry,” he said.
“The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry,” he said.
Planned Parenthood Southeast hires law firm to probe ‘troubling allegations’ after petition drive, reports @mayahoman.bsky.social.
Planned Parenthood Southeast launches investigation into ‘troubling allegations’ • Georgia Recorder
The investigation followed the circulation of a petition that advocates say has garnered over 580 signatures, alleging that Planned Parenthood Southeast’s new leaders have "dismantled" the organizatio...
georgiarecorder.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Stephen Stetson, the former AL and MS state director, said the problems might be due to bad leadership rather than ideological divides, but changes have damaged the org's credibility with other reproductive rights groups.
“The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry,” he said.
“The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry,” he said.
ICYMI: Our coverage of Saturday's No Kings protests.
Thousands of people gathered Saturday in Atlanta as part of the No Kings rallies taking place nationwide, where speakers sounded the alarm against the potential for authoritarian rule under the Trump administration.
Thousands, including many dressed as frogs, rally against Trump at Atlanta No Kings protest • Georgia Recorder
Thousands of people gathered Saturday in Atlanta as part of the No Kings rallies taking place nationwide, where speakers sounded the alarm against the potential for authoritarian rule under the Trump ...
georgiarecorder.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
ICYMI: Our coverage of Saturday's No Kings protests.
The dogs of the No Kings protest in Atlanta. Despite only being 6-months old, Rahul Bose, sitting in front of the "No kings, No ICE" poster, is a frequent protester, starting with the Tesla Takedown protests earlier this year.
"Ruff," he said.
Jax, a 1 year old German Shepherd, wanted to play.
"Ruff," he said.
Jax, a 1 year old German Shepherd, wanted to play.
October 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The dogs of the No Kings protest in Atlanta. Despite only being 6-months old, Rahul Bose, sitting in front of the "No kings, No ICE" poster, is a frequent protester, starting with the Tesla Takedown protests earlier this year.
"Ruff," he said.
Jax, a 1 year old German Shepherd, wanted to play.
"Ruff," he said.
Jax, a 1 year old German Shepherd, wanted to play.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
If you're not, YOU should be following @statesnewsroom.com for the latest in No Kings coverage. Check it out www.newsfromthestates.com/live-feed/no...
No Kings protest coverage | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:09 PM
If you're not, YOU should be following @statesnewsroom.com for the latest in No Kings coverage. Check it out www.newsfromthestates.com/live-feed/no...
Stacey Abrams just took the stage and gave a warning in her speech, detailing the "10 Steps to Autocracy" the current administration has taken. Abrams said that the opposition's destination is division and destruction, saying "this is not normal, it's intentional."
October 18, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Stacey Abrams just took the stage and gave a warning in her speech, detailing the "10 Steps to Autocracy" the current administration has taken. Abrams said that the opposition's destination is division and destruction, saying "this is not normal, it's intentional."
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Follow along for national coverage of today's No Kings protests from @statesnewsroom.com. We'll also have updates from the Atlanta Civic Center, where a large group is gathered.
No Kings protest coverage | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
October 18, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Follow along for national coverage of today's No Kings protests from @statesnewsroom.com. We'll also have updates from the Atlanta Civic Center, where a large group is gathered.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Organizers say more than 10,000 people have turned out for the No Kings rally at the Atlanta Civic Center in Georgia. The actual number could be closer to 12,000, says Laura Judge with Indivisible North Metro, which is one of the event's organizers. (Photo by @alander.bsky.social)
October 18, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Organizers say more than 10,000 people have turned out for the No Kings rally at the Atlanta Civic Center in Georgia. The actual number could be closer to 12,000, says Laura Judge with Indivisible North Metro, which is one of the event's organizers. (Photo by @alander.bsky.social)
The @georgiarecorder.com crew will be covering today's No Kings demonstrations in Atlanta. We'll begin at the Atlanta Civic Center, where the rally begins before marching to the Liberty Plaza by the Capitol. Follow along for dispatches from our team, and look out for a story later!
October 18, 2025 at 1:13 PM
The @georgiarecorder.com crew will be covering today's No Kings demonstrations in Atlanta. We'll begin at the Atlanta Civic Center, where the rally begins before marching to the Liberty Plaza by the Capitol. Follow along for dispatches from our team, and look out for a story later!
Early voting in Georgia for the Public Service Commission (and municipal elections) starts today, and the Recorder has an early voting guide if you have any questions.
If you're still unsure who to vote for, look out for our candidate guide tomorrow.
If you're still unsure who to vote for, look out for our candidate guide tomorrow.
Grab your ID and get ready to head to the polls: Tuesday marks the first day of early voting for the 2025 statewide and municipal election in Georgia.
Early voting for this year's PSC election begins Tuesday • Georgia Recorder
Want to vote early for this year's Public Service Commission and municipal elections? Here's what you need to know.
georgiarecorder.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Early voting in Georgia for the Public Service Commission (and municipal elections) starts today, and the Recorder has an early voting guide if you have any questions.
If you're still unsure who to vote for, look out for our candidate guide tomorrow.
If you're still unsure who to vote for, look out for our candidate guide tomorrow.
Early voting starts tomorrow for two seats in the Public Service Commission, which is responsible for regulating utilities in the state. Republicans, who are fearful Dems may flip one or both seats, are turning to national, culture wars themes while Democrats are running on energy affordability.
A unique off-year election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, a body responsible for regulating utilities in the state, has Republicans vocally concerned, especially considering concurrent municipal elections that they worry could favor Democratic mobilization.
Georgia Republicans say they fear local elections could help Democrats in statewide utilities race • Georgia Recorder
The special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission seats has Republicans concerned about turnout, fearing local elections could favor Democrats.
georgiarecorder.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Early voting starts tomorrow for two seats in the Public Service Commission, which is responsible for regulating utilities in the state. Republicans, who are fearful Dems may flip one or both seats, are turning to national, culture wars themes while Democrats are running on energy affordability.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: Marjorie Taylor Greene sounds alarm over expiring health care subsidies as shutdown continues
Marjorie Taylor Greene sounds alarm over expiring health care subsidies as shutdown continues • Georgia Recorder
As the government shutdown drags into its second week, Georgia’s congressional delegation is locked in a partisan struggle over who is to blame, with one of the state’s most high-profile Republicans, ...
georgiarecorder.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:07 AM
New from @alander.bsky.social: Marjorie Taylor Greene sounds alarm over expiring health care subsidies as shutdown continues
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion program is extended through 2026 despite concerns about cost
Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion program is extended through 2026 despite concerns about cost • Georgia Recorder
An approval letter from CMS noted that the temporary extension and its amendments are designed to help the program accomplish its goals.
georgiarecorder.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:21 PM
New from @alander.bsky.social: Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion program is extended through 2026 despite concerns about cost
Reposted by Alander Rocha
ICE officials, attorneys for Mario Guevara spar over the Georgia journalist’s immigration history, reports @alander.bsky.social.
ICE officials, attorneys for Mario Guevara spar over the Georgia journalist’s immigration history • Georgia Recorder
Mario Guevara's lawyers asked a federal court on Monday for his release and to halt any potential deportation while in ICE's custody.
georgiarecorder.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
ICE officials, attorneys for Mario Guevara spar over the Georgia journalist’s immigration history, reports @alander.bsky.social.