Greg Bluestein
@bluestein.bsky.social
Husband, father, aspiring mensch. AJC politics reporter 🗞 NBC News contributor 📺 Politically Georgia podcast host 🎧 Sirius Radio 📻 Author of FLIPPED📕 Jolt Newsletter 💻
ROME — President Donald Trump returned to Georgia on Thursday for the first time since reclaiming the White House, revisiting the grievance that has defined his relationship with the state for much of the decade: his 2020 defeat.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
In Georgia, Trump returns to a familiar theme — the 2020 election
The president’s stop in Rome comes amid tensions from last month’s FBI raid on a Fulton County election warehouse and several high-profile primary races.
www.ajc.com
February 20, 2026 at 1:08 AM
ROME — President Donald Trump returned to Georgia on Thursday for the first time since reclaiming the White House, revisiting the grievance that has defined his relationship with the state for much of the decade: his 2020 defeat.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Trump’s visit lands at a combustible moment for Georgia Republicans, as he encourages a state takeover of Fulton County’s elections and GOP contenders wage bruising fights that have become litmus tests over loyalty to the president and his agenda.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Trump’s visit will test his grip on Georgia Republicans
The president's stop in Rome comes amid tensions from last month's FBI raid on a Fulton County election warehouse and several high-profile primary races.
www.ajc.com
February 19, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Trump’s visit lands at a combustible moment for Georgia Republicans, as he encourages a state takeover of Fulton County’s elections and GOP contenders wage bruising fights that have become litmus tests over loyalty to the president and his agenda.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Georgia’s top securities official has barred a key executive of the collapsed First Liberty Building & Loan from the industry and referred his case to a DA for prosecution, escalating the state’s investigation into the politically connected firm.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Georgia bars First Liberty exec from selling securities, seeks criminal probe
In an emergency order, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office accuses Brant Frost V of selling unregistered securities and misleading investors.
www.ajc.com
February 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Georgia’s top securities official has barred a key executive of the collapsed First Liberty Building & Loan from the industry and referred his case to a DA for prosecution, escalating the state’s investigation into the politically connected firm.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
“I saw government in action in a way I hadn’t before. And then I started looking at the rest of my life.” Why Rick Jackson says he’ll be Trump’s ‘favorite governor’ www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Why Rick Jackson says he’ll be Trump’s ‘favorite governor’
Republican Rick Jackson says if elected governor of Georgia, he'll be like President Donald Trump but with a Southern tone.
www.ajc.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:01 PM
“I saw government in action in a way I hadn’t before. And then I started looking at the rest of my life.” Why Rick Jackson says he’ll be Trump’s ‘favorite governor’ www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Does he unload on Marjorie Taylor Greene? Does he jolt the governor’s race? Does he tip the scales on the Senate contest? Six questions about Donald Trump’s return to Georgia www.ajc.com/politics/202...
6 questions about Donald Trump’s return to Georgia
Trump will visit Rome on Thursday to talk about his economic agenda. But the president rarely sticks to the script.
www.ajc.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Does he unload on Marjorie Taylor Greene? Does he jolt the governor’s race? Does he tip the scales on the Senate contest? Six questions about Donald Trump’s return to Georgia www.ajc.com/politics/202...
As Republicans weigh whether to move toward a state takeover of Fulton County’s elections, two former Georgia powerbrokers from opposite parties issued a joint warning: Don’t relitigate 2020 — and don’t bend the law to do it.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
A bipartisan warning on Fulton: Don’t relitigate 2020 election
Two former Georgia leaders — Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes and Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss — warn that elections raid in Fulton County could backfire.
www.ajc.com
February 17, 2026 at 11:54 AM
As Republicans weigh whether to move toward a state takeover of Fulton County’s elections, two former Georgia powerbrokers from opposite parties issued a joint warning: Don’t relitigate 2020 — and don’t bend the law to do it.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Why President Trump is headed to northwest Georgia on Thursday www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Trump to tout his economic agenda in northwest Georgia visit Thursday
www.ajc.com
February 16, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Why President Trump is headed to northwest Georgia on Thursday www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Greg Bluestein
AJC readers can now go through the annotated FBI affidavit used to seize Fulton County ballots on January 28.
Read the annotated FBI affidavit used to seize Fulton ballots
www.ajc.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:44 PM
AJC readers can now go through the annotated FBI affidavit used to seize Fulton County ballots on January 28.
Three Illinois Senate candidates, who aren’t split by major ideological or policy differences, now offer a window into how Democrats could approach dismantling President Trump’s immigration enforcement structure if they win back full control in Washington.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/u...
Democrats’ Debate: ‘Abolish ICE,’ or ‘Abolish Trump’s ICE’?
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Three Illinois Senate candidates, who aren’t split by major ideological or policy differences, now offer a window into how Democrats could approach dismantling President Trump’s immigration enforcement structure if they win back full control in Washington.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/u...
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is headlining a fundraiser for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ bid for governor next weekend while he’s in Atlanta for his book tour. #gapol
February 13, 2026 at 9:46 PM
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is headlining a fundraiser for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ bid for governor next weekend while he’s in Atlanta for his book tour. #gapol
If you’ve been following Republican U.S. Senate candidate Derek Dooley then you know the former football coach can’t resist a deep dive on college athletics. At a campaign event last night he explained his fixation with his old gig.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Derek Dooley urges Congress to give NCAA the power to enforce its rules
The former college football coach says if he is elected to the U.S. Senate he will "educate everybody" about the issue.
www.ajc.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:08 PM
If you’ve been following Republican U.S. Senate candidate Derek Dooley then you know the former football coach can’t resist a deep dive on college athletics. At a campaign event last night he explained his fixation with his old gig.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
U.S. Sen. Warnock moves to block ICE detention warehouses in Georgia:
“The people of Georgia want secure borders; they do not want massive immigration detention centers in their backyards.”
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
“The people of Georgia want secure borders; they do not want massive immigration detention centers in their backyards.”
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
U.S. Sen. Warnock moves to block ICE detention warehouses in Georgia
Sen. Raphael Warnock filed an amendment to the DHS funding bill that would prohibit federal funds from being used to buy warehouses for immigrant detention in Georgia.
www.ajc.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:37 AM
U.S. Sen. Warnock moves to block ICE detention warehouses in Georgia:
“The people of Georgia want secure borders; they do not want massive immigration detention centers in their backyards.”
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
“The people of Georgia want secure borders; they do not want massive immigration detention centers in their backyards.”
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
An anti-tax group’s $526,000 donation highlights how ‘leadership committees’ are fueling a financial arms race — and drawing new legal challenges. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
How Georgia’s unlimited money machine is powering the governor’s race
An anti-tax group’s $526,000 donation highlights how "leadership committees" are fueling a financial arms race — and drawing new legal challenges.
www.ajc.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:17 AM
An anti-tax group’s $526,000 donation highlights how ‘leadership committees’ are fueling a financial arms race — and drawing new legal challenges. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Fulton DA Fani Willis says she shouldn’t have to pay nearly $17 million in legal fees to President Trump and his allies after her prosecution against them fell flat, in a filing that also attacked a new Georgia law allowing them to bill for the costs.
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
Fani Willis says Trump attorney fee requests would eat entire budget
Fulton County DA Fani Willis says she shouldn't have to pay nearly $17 million in legal fees to President Trump and his allies after her prosecution against them fell flat.
www.ajc.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Fulton DA Fani Willis says she shouldn’t have to pay nearly $17 million in legal fees to President Trump and his allies after her prosecution against them fell flat, in a filing that also attacked a new Georgia law allowing them to bill for the costs.
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
After Renee Good’s death, Republicans in Georgia are working to make it a felony to use a vehicle to obstruct police operations.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
After ICE shootings, Georgia mulls stiffer penalties for obstructing police
A bill in the state Legislature would make it a felony to obstruct law enforcement operations with a vehicle.
www.ajc.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:48 AM
After Renee Good’s death, Republicans in Georgia are working to make it a felony to use a vehicle to obstruct police operations.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
In a suddenly crowded Republican race for governor, Raffensperger is leaning into his office’s ongoing probe into First Liberty — while pushing back against a legislative effort that could strip his office of the authority to keep it going.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Victims and politics collide as Raffensperger spotlights First Liberty fallout
Corruption emerges as a campaign theme in Georgia's Republican race for governor.
www.ajc.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:51 PM
In a suddenly crowded Republican race for governor, Raffensperger is leaning into his office’s ongoing probe into First Liberty — while pushing back against a legislative effort that could strip his office of the authority to keep it going.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
A federal judge ordered the unsealing of the search warrant affidavit used by the FBI to seize troves of Fulton County's 2020 election records. Here's why it matters. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Why the FBI search warrant affidavit for Fulton’s 2020 ballots matters
A federal judge ordered the unsealing of the search warrant affidavit used by the FBI to seize troves of Fulton County's 2020 election records. Here's why it matters.
www.ajc.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:24 AM
A federal judge ordered the unsealing of the search warrant affidavit used by the FBI to seize troves of Fulton County's 2020 election records. Here's why it matters. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Officials in a small Georgia city east of Atlanta say Immigration and Customs Enforcement has finalized the purchase of an industrial warehouse with plans to turn it into a sprawling detention facility, where as many as 10,000 immigrants could be held.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
ICE to begin detaining immigrants inside Social Circle warehouse in April
Homeland Security plans to build warehouse detention facilities in other cities being met with opposition.
www.ajc.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Officials in a small Georgia city east of Atlanta say Immigration and Customs Enforcement has finalized the purchase of an industrial warehouse with plans to turn it into a sprawling detention facility, where as many as 10,000 immigrants could be held.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
A post–Rick Jackson order is beginning to emerge in Georgia’s GOP race for governor, with the billionaire now going toe-to-toe with Burt Jones for the MAGA base. A new poll, wave of ads, messaging shifts and staff changes proves it. #gapol
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Rick Jackson’s campaign for governor resets fight for MAGA base in Georgia
President Donald Trump has already endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Now, some of Jackson's allies are urging Trump to reconsider.
www.ajc.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:29 AM
A post–Rick Jackson order is beginning to emerge in Georgia’s GOP race for governor, with the billionaire now going toe-to-toe with Burt Jones for the MAGA base. A new poll, wave of ads, messaging shifts and staff changes proves it. #gapol
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
The shifting political terrain is more unsettled by the FBI’s raid of a Fulton elections office, thrusting Georgia back into the center of Trump’s effort to relitigate his 2020 loss — much as Minnesota has become a flashpoint in his immigration crackdown.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
As Republicans splinter, Ossoff seizes the offensive in a changing Senate race
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has gone on the offensive as Republicans are locked in a three-way fight to be the candidate running against him in what could be a close race.
www.ajc.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:42 PM
The shifting political terrain is more unsettled by the FBI’s raid of a Fulton elections office, thrusting Georgia back into the center of Trump’s effort to relitigate his 2020 loss — much as Minnesota has become a flashpoint in his immigration crackdown.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
“We shouldn’t act like this race is 50-50 today. It’s not. And we have to wake up now,” said Cole Muzio, an influential Georgia conservative. “If we’re not realistic in February, we’re going to be stuck with Ossoff another six years come November.” #gapol
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
As Republicans splinter, Ossoff seizes the offensive in a changing Senate race
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has gone on the offensive as Republicans are locked in a three-way fight to be the candidate running against him in what could be a close race.
www.ajc.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:21 PM
“We shouldn’t act like this race is 50-50 today. It’s not. And we have to wake up now,” said Cole Muzio, an influential Georgia conservative. “If we’re not realistic in February, we’re going to be stuck with Ossoff another six years come November.” #gapol
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Ossoff framed the midterm as a monumental test for the nation’s future.
“I believe we will escape this moral tailspin and recommit ourselves to the values that have powered 250 years of progress. But none of this is possible without victory this November.”
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
“I believe we will escape this moral tailspin and recommit ourselves to the values that have powered 250 years of progress. But none of this is possible without victory this November.”
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
As Republicans splinter, Ossoff seizes the offensive in a changing Senate race
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has gone on the offensive as Republicans are locked in a three-way fight to be the candidate running against him in what could be a close race.
www.ajc.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Ossoff framed the midterm as a monumental test for the nation’s future.
“I believe we will escape this moral tailspin and recommit ourselves to the values that have powered 250 years of progress. But none of this is possible without victory this November.”
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
“I believe we will escape this moral tailspin and recommit ourselves to the values that have powered 250 years of progress. But none of this is possible without victory this November.”
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Ossoff remains the nation’s most vulnerable Democratic incumbent on the 2026 ballot, a distinction he invokes to mobilize supporters. But senior Democrats — and even influential Republicans — see a race tilting in his favor as Ossoff goes on the offensive.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
As Republicans splinter, Ossoff seizes the offensive in a changing Senate race
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has gone on the offensive as Republicans are locked in a three-way fight to be the candidate running against him in what could be a close race.
www.ajc.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Ossoff remains the nation’s most vulnerable Democratic incumbent on the 2026 ballot, a distinction he invokes to mobilize supporters. But senior Democrats — and even influential Republicans — see a race tilting in his favor as Ossoff goes on the offensive.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Rick Jackson, a self-funded political newcomer, is betting big money, a Trump-style message and raw confrontation can knock Lt. Gov. Burt Jones off course. #gapol
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Republican outsider’s $50M bet remakes Georgia governor’s race
Billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson is styling himself as a political outsider in the mode of Donald Trump as he jumps into the race for Georgia governor.
www.ajc.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:22 PM
Rick Jackson, a self-funded political newcomer, is betting big money, a Trump-style message and raw confrontation can knock Lt. Gov. Burt Jones off course. #gapol
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
www.ajc.com/politics/202...
