Runoff election results; GA redistricting paused; Tropical Storm Arthur lands

Summary

Georgia Today
Podcast Summary – June 17, 2026
Host: Peter Biello | Georgia Public Broadcasting

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Overview

This episode centers on a pivotal day for Georgia: the aftermath of runoff election results with significant implications for both the state and national politics, a major development in the redistricting process, the arrival of Tropical Storm Arthur, insights into Georgia’s troubled health coverage program, and other notable local issues. The show features analysis, direct quotes from candidates, an expert interview, and includes local and weather updates.

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Runoff Election Results: Split GOP, Big Spending, & Kemp’s Losses

[00:32 – 07:46]

Key Points

• Primary Outcomes:

  • Donald Trump’s preferred U.S. Senate candidate, Rep. Mike Collins, wins against Derek Dooley.
  • Trump’s gubernatorial pick, Burt Jones (supported also by Gov. Brian Kemp), loses to billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson.
  • Both Dooley and Jones had Governor Kemp’s endorsement; both lost high-profile runoffs.

• Candidate Reactions:

  • Rep. Mike Collins (Senate winner): Vows to use his business experience in Washington.
    • Quote: “I'm just going to use my business experience out there to build on the record of results that I've already delivered.” – Mike Collins [00:59]
  • Derek Dooley: Congratulates Collins, but vows to oppose Ossoff.
    • Quote: “We had a lot of disagreements, but the one thing that hadn't changed is my opinion of Jon Oss and I do not believe he represents the values of our Georgia, our people.” – Derek Dooley [01:25]
  • Rick Jackson (GOP governor nominee): Pledges to run an aggressive campaign and sharply attacks his Democratic rival.
    • Quote: “The choice could not be more clear. Do we continue moving Georgia forward or do we go backward to Keith Lynch? Bottoms record of excuses and failed leadership” – Rick Jackson [02:19]

• Democratic Response:

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms (Democratic gubernatorial nominee): Labels Rick Jackson “as MAGA as they come” and criticizes his state business ties.

• Analysis by Zachary Peskowitz (Emory University Political Science Professor):

  • Money Talked: Jackson’s $100M+ spending swamped Jones’s $30M, highlighting the decisive impact of massive self-funding.
    • Quote: “That ability to blanket the airwaves with television advertisements, online advertisements and the like, I think that's, that's a big part of the story.” – Zachary Peskowitz [03:00]
    • “Money doesn't guarantee victory, ... but it helps.” – Peskowitz [03:44]
  • Late Endorsements: Governor Kemp’s endorsements arrived too late to be effective, especially considering early voting.
    • “I think the camp endorsement came very late ... obviously there was in person early voting and absentee ... So it was quite late in the process.” – Peskowitz [04:17]
  • Senate Race Factors: Collins’ congressional experience and Trump endorsement helped; Dooley, less experienced, couldn't establish an identity.
    • “Collins has more political experience, ...has aligned himself very closely with President Trump in Congress.” – Peskowitz [05:23]

• Turnout Notes:

  • Republican turnout remained high due to contested races; Democratic turnout dropped significantly with less at stake.
    • “Runoff turnout declined significantly...over 2 million in the primary. It was over a million in the runoff ... But compared to runoffs in the past, it was actually relatively high turnout." – Peskowitz [06:22]

• Overarching Takeaway:

  • Difficult night for Governor Kemp, but fading influence can’t solely explain the results — unique candidate circumstances and money played big roles.
    • “Big takeaway, tough night for Brian Kemp. But ... there are all these other factors about the candidates ... to keep in mind in interpreting that.” – Peskowitz [07:52]

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State Redistricting Paused: A Political Surprise

[08:54 – 09:53]

Key Points

• Special Legislative Session: Governor Kemp called a session to potentially redraw Georgia’s legislative and congressional maps.
• Outcome: Speaker John Burns says now is “not the right time” for redistricting; process paused despite recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.
  • Quote: “Changes to our district maps have the potential to impact every voter in Georgia and they deserve the same thoughtful, fact driven process that has always guided the House.” – Speaker John Burns [09:16]
• Democratic Reaction: Minority Leader Harold Jones calls it “a huge victory, but it doesn’t end today.”
• Next Steps: Republicans leave door open for redistricting during 2027’s regular session.

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Tropical Storm Arthur Lands: Weather & Event Impact

[09:53 – 10:37]

Key Points

• Arthur strikes Texas and Louisiana and will bring 2–4 inches (with localized 5+ inches) of rain to Georgia.
• Flash flooding is a concern; events like Atlanta’s World Cup match and Juneteenth celebrations could be impacted.
• Damaging winds and tornado threat remains low.

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“Pathways to Coverage” Isn’t Working: Study Shows Mental Health Fallout

[10:37 – 11:46]

Key Points

• Policy Overview: Georgia’s ‘Pathways to Coverage’ requires low-income adults to work 80 hours/month for Medicaid coverage.
• Findings: Study in JAMA shows rise in days of poor mental health or depression among eligible Georgians; similar states saw no change.
• Design Flaws: No exemptions for people with mental health or substance use disorders—which are a large portion of Medicaid’s base.
  • Quote: “This policy was intended to help those people, but unintentionally, this policy is particularly harming the people that are most vulnerable.” – Dr. Joanne Constantine [00:23] and [11:36]
  • “If we did not experience this policy shock in Georgia, we would have anticipated outcomes...to keep moving in tandem.” – Dr. Constantine [11:20]
• Future Impact: Nationwide expansion expected in January under a new federal bill.

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Bird Deaths & Building Collisions: Alarming New Statistics

[12:12 – 13:15]

Key Points

• 1 billion annual bird deaths in the U.S. from glass collisions; Georgia team records 202 cases this spring, far above average.
• Many casualties are unrecorded—real number may be much higher.
  • Quote: “It's estimated that we're only finding 10 to 20% of the actual collision victims, so the number is likely very high.” – Sarah Manning [12:43]
• Most fatalities occur at night and around residential glass.
• Prevention Tips: Delay spring/fall window cleaning, use insect screens, and keep outdoor lights off overnight.

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Other Georgia News Briefs

Data Center Development Regulated

[13:29]

• Columbus Council passes rules for data center construction; sets technical and environmental standards for massive $5B Project Ruby.

Georgia Sports Highlight

[13:29]

• Georgia baseball defeats Texas 2-0 in College World Series elimination game; sets school wins record and remains in the hunt for a national title.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “I'm just going to use my business experience out there to build on the record of results that I've already delivered.”
  – Mike Collins, U.S. Senate candidate [00:59]

• “The choice could not be more clear. Do we continue moving Georgia forward or do we go backward to Keith Lynch? Bottoms record of excuses and failed leadership.”
  – Rick Jackson, GOP governor nominee [02:19]

• “Money doesn't guarantee victory, as we saw in California with Tom Steyer, but it helps.”
  – Zachary Peskowitz, Emory University [03:44]

• “This policy was intended to help those people, but unintentionally this policy is particularly harming the people that are most vulnerable.”
  – Dr. Joanne Constantine, SUNY Downstate [00:23], [11:36]

• “It's estimated that we're only finding 10 to 20% of actual collision victims, so the number is likely very high.”
  – Sarah Manning, Birds Georgia [12:43]

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Structure & Tone

• The episode maintains a brisk, news-focused, and direct tone, interspersed with topical expert insights and voices from key stakeholders.
• Election analysis is nuanced, emphasizing the interplay of money, endorsements, and turnout.
• Public policy and science reports are concise, fact-driven, and include clear calls to action or points for further study.

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This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the day’s developments, key players, and statewide issues discussed in the podcast, with all important details, quotes, and timestamps for context.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Georgia's runoff election results are in. Tropical Storm Arthur hit land today and one study shows that Georgia's pathways to coverage is not working as planned.

[Joanne Constantine]

This policy was intended to help those people, but unintentionally, this policy is particularly harming the people that are most vulnerable.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Wednesday, June 17th. I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. Georgia Republicans delivered a split decision for Donald Trump in runoff elections yesterday. Voters opted for the president's preferred U.S. senate candidate but rejected his choice for governor. In the Senate race, Congressman Mike Collins topped former football coach Derek Dooley. Collins addressed a crowd gathered in Jackson between Atlanta and Macon after the race was called.

[Rick Jackson]

Collins my plan as your next U.S. senator, I mean, it's simple. I'm just going to use my business experience out there to build on the record of results that I've already delivered.

[Peter Biello]

In Washington, Collins will face U.S. senator John Ossoff, the only Senate Democrat running for reelection in a state that Trump won in 2024. Dooley spoke to supporters last night in metro Atlanta's Cobb County. He congratulated Collins and said his work to unseat John Ossoff will continue.

[Derek Dooley]

We had a lot of disagreements, but the one thing that hadn't changed is my opinion of Jon Oss and I do not believe he represents the values of our Georgia, our people.

[Peter Biello]

Ossoff blasted Collins in the opening shots of the general election campaign, calling his Republican opponent Trump's hand picked candidate and a, quote, extremist. Dooley's defeat was a double loss for Governor Brian Kemp, who campaigned hard for Dooley and also gave a last minute endorsement of lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in the governor's race. Jones lost his primary runoff to billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson, but it was an expensive win. Jackson spent more than $100 million, most of it his own money, to overcome Jones's name recognition and presidential endorsement. Speaking last night to supporters in Sandy Springs, north of Atlanta, he promised to run an aggressive race against his Democratic opponent, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, in November.

[Rick Jackson]

The choice could not be more clear. Do we continue moving Georgia forward or do we go backward to Keith Lynch? Bottoms record of excuses and failed leadership

[Peter Biello]

Jackson's high spending campaign became an issue in the bitter race, with Jones accusing Jackson of buying votes. Bottoms blasted her GOP opponent after his win, calling Jackson as MAGA as they come and taking aim at his business deals with the state. For more on last Night's results. Let's turn to Emory University professor of political science, Zachary Peskowitz. Welcome to the program.

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Thank you for having me.

[Peter Biello]

First, let's talk about the gubernatorial primary runoff. Rick Jackson beats Burt Jones. What do you think gave Jackson the edge in this race?

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Yeah, so I think the big part of the story is money. So Jackson contributed over $100 million to his campaign and spent over $107 million. That's a big financial advantage over Jones, who spent something like $30 million. So that ability to blanket the airwaves with television advertisements, online advertisements and the like, I think that's, that's a big part of the story. In terms of how Jackson went from a political unknown with no experience to beating Bert Jones, this high profile statewide

[Peter Biello]

elected official, it seems like those dollars bought a lot of advertising. Just from my perspective, you couldn't really watch a Braves game without seeing a lot of Rick Jackson.

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Yes. So money doesn't guarantee victory, as we saw in California with Tom Steyer, but it helps. And so, you know, particularly when you have big spending advantages like that, it can help increase awareness, which is really important for a candidate without political experience. So you don't expect a lot more political advertising in the fall as we head toward the general election.

[Peter Biello]

Governor Kemp endorsed Bert Jones days before the election. Didn't seem to work that well. Was it too late or are Republican voters sour on establishment types?

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Yeah, so I think the camp endorsement came very late in the campaign, the weekend before election day. And obviously there was in person early voting and absentee early voting as well over the past week. So it was quite late in the process. Maybe it would have been more effective earlier. And so that's something to keep in mind. The other thing to keep in mind is just Jackson's big financial advantage. So I don't think you can conclude, although both of camps endorses didn't win yesterday, I don't think you can conclude that he's less popular than he was in the past. But it does show that there are other factors that matter beyond relatively popular governor's endorsement.

[Peter Biello]

Well, he will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, who won the Democratic Party outright last month. Let's turn quickly to the Senate race. Lots of interest there. Congressman Mike Collins got a late endorsement from President Trump and he won. Derek Dooley got Kemp's endorsement, but he lost. So Kemp was.02 in the high profile seats on the Republican ballot. What made Collins stand out in this race?

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Yeah, So I think perhaps the late Trump endorsement helped a little bit Again, Though it was very late in the, late in the process. Collins has more political experience, so he's been in the U.S. house, you know, relatively high profile, has aligned himself very closely with President Trump in Congress. So I think, you know, all, all those things can help against, you know, in particular, again, a political politically inexperienced candidate like Derek Dooley, who kind of campaigned as a more middle of the road conventional conservative but, but didn't really have, you know, a signature issue. So I think, you know, those are some of the factors that may have attributed to the Colin's success yesterday.

[Peter Biello]

Overall, what can you tell us about turnout? I understand, you know, there was a lot more Republican interest than Democrats because there were higher profile races on the Republican side. What can you tell us about how turnout played out?

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Yes, so Democrats had very, very high turnout in the primary, but they didn't have the Senate nominee was going to be John Ossoff. He's running on a post. And then Keisha Lance Bottoms won outright for the, the gubernatorial Democratic nomination. So, you know, we didn't have a super high profile contest on the Democratic side in the runoff, whereas in the Republican side you had both the Senate and gubernatorial nominations up for grabs. So Democratic turnout dropped quite a bit as a result of those lower profile races. Looking statewide, you know, as is always the case, runoff turnout declined significantly. So it was over 2 million in the primary. It was over a million in the runoff. So a big decline. But compared to runoffs in the past, it was actually relatively high turnout. So I think, you know, looking at this systematically, you know, whenever you have these elections in close proximity to one another and you're taking some of the races away because candidates win in the, the first round, turnout drops, drops quite a bit. So I think this is consistent with that. But even surpassing that 1 million turnout number suggests there's a lot of interest in Georgia politics. Voters are very engaged and it's possible we'll see record breaking midterm turnout in November.

[Peter Biello]

Was there anything else about yesterday's results that surprised you or stood out to you?

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Yeah, I mean, I think big takeaway, tough night for Brian Kemp. But it is important to keep in mind that there are all these other factors about the candidates, Derek Dooley and Bert Jones and their position in their campaigns as well. To keep in mind in interpreting that,

[Peter Biello]

Emory University's Zachary Peskowitz, thank you so much for speaking with me.

[Zachary Peskowitz]

Thank you.

[Peter Biello]

We have more results and analysis from the [e-mail] election each story you hear

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[Peter Biello]

The Georgia Legislature will not redraw the state's legislative and congressional maps for now. In an unexpected twist announced this afternoon, a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp will not take advantage of a recent U.S. supreme Court case on redistricting. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

Speaker of the House John Burns said in a news conference that it is not the right time to redistrict.

[Rick Jackson]

Changes to our district. Maps have the potential to to impact every voter in Georgia and they deserve the same thoughtful, fact driven process that has always guided the House.

[Sarah Kalis]

Governor Brian Kemp ordered the special session, which convened today to address voting issues, including drawing new district lines. Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones celebrated the announcement.

[Rick Jackson]

This is a huge victory, but it doesn't end today. It's going to continue to be a fight.

[Sarah Kalis]

Republicans did not rule out redistricting during the regular legislative session next year. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis at the State Capitol.

[Peter Biello]

The first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is drenching the Gulf coasts of Texas and Louisiana today, and its remnants are expected to produce multiple rounds of heavy rainfall in Georgia tomorrow and Friday. The National Weather Service says rainfall amounts between 2 and 4 inches are likely. Some areas could get more than 5 inches, and local and potentially life threatening flooding is possible. The heavy downpours could impact a World cup match in Atlanta on Thursday and Juneteenth holiday celebrations across the state on Friday, among other plans. The threat of damaging winds and tornadoes is low. A study published in the medical journal JAMA suggests that the work requirements under Georgia's Pathways to Coverage program might be worsening mental health outcomes. GPB's Sophie Gradas explains.

[Sophie Gradas]

Under Pathways, eligible low income adults are required to report 80 hours of work every month to qualify for healthcare. That's caused administrative hurdles for many enrollees, and far less people have enrolled than state leaders originally projected. This all led Joanne Constantine with SUNY Downstate University to ask, what is the

[Joanne Constantine]

association between Georgia's Pathways to Coverage program and mental health outcomes among low income adults?

[Sophie Gradas]

She found that the start of the pathways program in 2023 was associated with an increase in the number of days eligible people reported having poor mental health or a diagnosis of depression. Meanwhile, neighboring states with similar politics saw no change.

[Joanne Constantine]

If we did not experience this policy shock in Georgia, we would have anticipated outcomes in all of these states to keep moving in tandem.

[Sophie Gradas]

And while Medicaid is the largest insurer of people with mental health and substance use disorders, there are no explicit exemptions to work requirements for them.

[Joanne Constantine]

This policy was intended to help those people, but unintentionally this policy is particularly harming the people that are most vulnerable, konstantin says.

[Sophie Gradas]

There's more to learn about the other downstream effects that work requirements can have ahead of a nearly nationwide expansion of the policy in January as part of President Trump's big, beautiful bill. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas.

[Peter Biello]

About 1 billion birds die each year in the US from collisions with glass and buildings in Georgia. One nonprofit has been documenting these occurrences since 2005. GPB's Gillian Magtoto has more on this year's numbers.

[Jillian Magtoto]

A team of around 100 volunteers from the nonprofit Byrds Georgia documented 202 bird building collisions across metro Atlanta and coastal Georgia during this year's spring migration. That's about 60 collisions above the spring average, according to Birds Georgia Conservation coordinator Sarah Manning.

[Sarah Manning]

It's estimated that we're only finding 10 to 20% of the actual collision victims, so the number is likely very high, manning says.

[Jillian Magtoto]

Nearly half of birds bodies are found beneath windows of residential buildings, and most collisions happen at night.

[Sarah Manning]

They're drawn into our city by the lighting and then they rest in those nice habitat patches that they find somewhere full of trees. And when they wake up in the morning they're surrounded by what looks like more habitat and it's actually just reflective glass. They're flying to the next tree, but it's actually just glass and most of

[Jillian Magtoto]

the time the collision is fatal birds. Georgia recommends that residents avoid washing windows during spring and fall. Migrants add insect screens and turn off non essential outdoor lighting overnight. For GPB News, I'm Jillian Magtoto.

[Peter Biello]

The Columbus Council has approved an ordinance that would regulate the development of data centers. The new ordinance creates what's called a technology overlay district that would set standards for things like height and noise. It would also require data center developers to confirm that providers of electricity and water have enough capacity to handle the new project. The vote yesterday will allow Choose Columbus, the local development authority's marketing arm, to continue pursuing the proposed hyperscale data center, known as Project Ruby, provided the project meets the new requirements. The $5 billion project is planned for nearly 900 acres of green space in northeast Muskogee county and has generated local pushback in Georgia sports. Georgia shut out Texas 2 nothing last night to survive elimination in the College World Series. The victory set the school record for wins in a season. They're now 5313 and vying for their first national championship since 1990. Georgia will take on Oklahoma tonight and will need to beat the Sooners twice to reach the finals. That is a wrap on Georgia Today. If you want to learn more about any of these stories, check gpb.org news make sure you subscribe to this podcast and send us feedback. If you've got any, the best way to reach us is by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.