The Kicker

Early Voting, Judicial Races, and All About House District 25

We break down everything Forsyth Democrats need to know before the May primary election, including where to vote early and why Georgia’s Supreme Court races are especially important this year. We also discuss Congressman Rich McCormick’s upcoming town hall and planned protest activities outside the event. Then we take a deep dive into Georgia House District 25 — one of Forsyth County’s key legislative districts — including the record of incumbent Todd Jones and interviews and updates on Democratic challengers Metin Vargonen and Elaine Padgett. * Protest outside McCormick’s Town Hall: https://www.mobilize.us/georgiademocrats/event/948599/ [https://www.mobilize.us/georgiademocrats/event/948599/] * Jen Jordan for Georgia Supreme Court: https://www.jen4georgia.com/ [https://www.jen4georgia.com/] * Miracle Rankin for Georgia Supreme Court: https://www.jen4georgia.com/ [https://www.jen4georgia.com/] * Will Wooten for Georgia Court of Appeals: https://www.wootenforga.com/ [https://www.wootenforga.com/] * Metin Vargonen for HD 25: https://www.metinforgeorgia.com/ [https://www.metinforgeorgia.com/] * Elaine Padgett for HD 25: https://www.elaineforgeorgia.com/ [https://www.elaineforgeorgia.com/] * Elaine Padgett’s profile in The Forsyth County News: https://www.forsythnews.com/news/politics/democrat-elaine-padgett-makes-second-run-for-georgia-house-district-25/ [https://www.forsythnews.com/news/politics/democrat-elaine-padgett-makes-second-run-for-georgia-house-district-25/] * Metin Vargonen’s profile in The Forsyth County News: https://www.forsythnews.com/news/politics/democrat-metin-vargonen-aims-to-flip-georgia-house-district-25-seat-represented-by-one-republican-for-nearly-a-decade/ [https://www.forsythnews.com/news/politics/democrat-metin-vargonen-aims-to-flip-georgia-house-district-25-seat-represented-by-one-republican-for-nearly-a-decade/] * Articles about Todd Jones’ involvement in Talitrax: “State Politicians Own Part of Tech Company Involved with Fulton Jail Contract [https://www.ajc.com/news/state-politicians-own-part-of-tech-company-involved-with-fulton-jail-contract/3E7TYHKQWNGNZNA5F4GDSRZZHU/?gift_article_code=bFlzRmpKNF9XNkVSUjItODdRSUVJM1RhalNsd2g2LWgwWXlyN282Nzc4NDoxNzgwNDA5Njk3OmZiZThmMDYyNDc1M2E3ZTc&utm_campaign=articlegifting],” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (gift link so you can read without a subscription) “Money, Threats and Power: A Law-Maker Led Jail Monitoring Company’s Rise in Georgia [https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/money-threats-and-power-a-lawmaker-led-jail-monitoring-companys-rise-in-georgia/4NRZOXHYRFA35LDKQNNKX4W24U/?gift_article_code=czJ2bkxTb2kwdUFsVDB3eGlLaXRMWlBjbzQ0d01Wb0VBQ3lzSnJtSlFhUToxNzgwNDA5ODI3OmM0YTE5ZWE5ZDJjZDRkZWE&utm_campaign=articlegifting],” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (gift link so you can read without a subscription) Todd Jones’ Talitrix disclosure: https://media.ethics.ga.gov/search/Financial/radWin.aspx?pdfID=F201601847853168 [https://media.ethics.ga.gov/search/Financial/radWin.aspx?pdfID=F201601847853168]

All About Georgia Senate District 48

In this episode, we dive into Georgia State Senate District 48—one of the most competitive and closely watched races in the state. We explain where the district is, how it’s changed over time and why it’s considered a top Democratic pickup opportunity. We also sit down with Democratic primary candidates Laura Murvartian [https://www.lauramurvartian.com/]and Nathan Hombroek [https://nathanforgeorgia.com/] to talk about their campaigns and priorities. Finally, we share a quick update on the ongoing paper ballot debate and what it could mean for upcoming elections in Georgia. Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/georgiademocrats/event/932741/?referring_vol=4281753&rname=Anna&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link [https://www.mobilize.us/georgiademocrats/event/932741/?referring_vol=4281753&rname=Anna&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link]

Protests, Policy Wins, and Georgia’s Election Uncertainty

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forsyth-county-georgia-democratic-party-1 [https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forsyth-county-georgia-democratic-party-1] In this episode, we cover the “No Kings” protest in Forsyth County—and what it signals about growing civic engagement and momentum for Democratic candidates. We also break down the end of Georgia’s legislative session (Sine Die), highlighting key wins like new literacy funding and a needs-based scholarship program, along with concerning developments like a bill that could make certain races nonpartisan in Democratic counties. Finally, we unpack a looming election issue that remains unresolved: Georgia’s voting system is on track for confusion after lawmakers banned QR codes without a clear plan to replace the current machines that rely on them.

What's Rich McCormick up to?

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forsyth-county-georgia-democratic-party-1 [https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forsyth-county-georgia-democratic-party-1] In this episode, we take a closer look at what’s happening in Georgia politics — and what it means for our community. We discuss the visibility (or lack thereof) of Representative Rich McCormick (GA-07), break down Georgia Senate Bill 74 and its implications for public libraries, parents, and local control, and unpack SB 189, the 2024 election law that changes how ballots are tabulated and could impact midterm elections in our state. If you care about access to books, voting rights, and staying informed about decisions that affect Georgians, this conversation is for you.

Crossover Day

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forsyth-county-georgia-democratic-party-1 [https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forsyth-county-georgia-democratic-party-1] The conversation covers the topics of Crossover Day and Legislative Bills, Greg Dolezal's AI-Assisted Political Video, and the Opening of the New County Administration Building. Each topic is explored in detail, providing insights into the legislative process, the impact of AI in politics, and the controversy surrounding the new administration building. Takeaways * Crossover Day and Legislative Bills * Greg Dolezal's AI-Assisted Political Video * The Opening of the New County Administration Building Chapters * 00:00 Crossover Day and Legislative Bills * 11:27 Greg Dolezal's AI-Assisted Political Video * 19:00 The Opening of the New County Administration Building